Amit Shah visits Mutt seeking support; seer demands MLA ticket

Hubballi Apr 12: BJP supremo Amit Shah, who visited Siddharooda Mutt here on Thursday to seek the blessings and support for the upcoming Karnataka assembly polls, was taken aback when Sri Paramarooda Swamiji of Seemikeri directly demanded the saffron party’s B Form to contest the polls from Bilagi constituency in Bagalkot district.

"I have already campaigned in 130 villages, and have forwarded an application for BJP ticket, to the party's state and national leaders. Earlier, I have worked for the victory of the BJP candidate in the constituency," the ticket aspirant seer said.

Before starting the second leg of his campaign in the Mumbai-Karnataka region, Amit Shah visited Siddharodamutt, a popular spiritual centre in the region.

Accompanied by State BJP President B S Yeddyurappa and other BJP leaders, Mr Shah was welcomed by women, with Poornakumbha.

Shah performed Pooja at the Gadduge of Sri Siddharooda Swamiji and Sri Gurunatharooda Swamiji. He was later felicitated by Sri Siddharooda Swamy Mutt Trust Committee office-bearers, at Kailas Mantap.

Due the visit of the VVIP, devotees' entry to Sri Siddharooda Swamy Samadhi Mandir was closed for one hour.

Shah's visit was scheduled at 9:40 am, and he came late at 10:45 am. He was at Siddharoodamutt premises for 15 minutes. In addition to local police, Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel were also deployed for security.

It may be recalled here that AICC chief Rahul Gandhi was also supposed to visit Siddharoodamutt during his recent visit to Hubballi, and the visit was cancelled at the last moment after he visited a church and a dargah.

Other demands

Sri Siddharooda Swamy Mutt Trust Committee submitted a memorandum to Mr Shah, to take steps to name Hubballi Airport after Sri Siddharooda Swamiji.

Shah was also urged to arrange Rs 30 lakh funds for the construction of Prasada Nilaya and Rs 20 lakh for the construction of toilets and bathrooms at the mutt premises.

Sri Siddharoodaswamy Mutt Trust Committee chairman D D Malagi, honorary secretary S I Kolakur, seers and others were present.