CM ducks queries on 'tainted' ministers

Evading some tough questions from the media, Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar implied on Monday that he would not be easily drawn into unnecessary debates or get into controversies, unlike his predecessors.

A man of few words, Shettar, who arrived in the city for his first visit as Chief Minister, almost snubbed the mediapersons who tried to grill him over the issue of the Governor expressing displeasure over the induction of ‘tainted’ Ministers and the appointment of Lokayukta, by choosing not to reply.

After two unsuccessful encounters at Lalita Mahal Helipad and Chamundi Temple, when a journalist at JSS Mutt, asked whether he was asked by the BJP high command not to talk to the media, Shettar said: “There is nothing like that. I want to discuss matters with legal experts before coming to the media.”

On the reported dissatisfaction over the distribution of portfolios, he said if there was any grouse, it would be sorted out.

The assembly session will start on July 19, he added.

While returning from the Mutt, he told reporters that he would work within the framework of the party and would speak to the media at the right time. He said he is in touch with all disgruntled people in the party and will try to convince them.

At Lalita Mahal Helipad, he said Education Minister Visweshwara Hegde Kageri would talk to striking unaided schools to solve the issue.

Shettar prays for rains

Shettar, who arrived at Lalita Mahal Helipad at 11 am with his wife Shilpa, son Sankalp and Deputy Chief Minister R Ashoka, received a guard of honour. Later, they visited Sri Chamudeshwari Temple and offered separate pujas. Emerging from the temple, Shettar said he prayed for bountiful rains and good yield.

He headed towards the city branch of Suttur Mutt on Ooty Road where he sought the blessings of Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swami. Shettar interacted with the seer for almost half an hour.

The seer honoured the Chief Minister with a shawl and a basket of fruits.  Higher Education Minister C T Ravi and Housing Minister V Somanna also sought the blessings of the seer on Monday.

Shettar had lunch at the residence of Kapu Siddalingaswamy, a close confidant of former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa in JP Nagar, and left for Bangalore.