BENGALURU: Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Friday conducted the ground-breaking ceremony for installation of two statues of 12 century reformer Basavanna and Bengaluru founder Kempegowda in the forecourt of the Vidhana Soudha with all religious rituals. He was accompanied by his predecessor B S Yediyurappa, Chairs of both the Houses, several of his cabinet colleagues and heads of various prominent mutts.
Speaking on the occasion, Bommai said, “It is apt that the statues of two great revolutionaries who were born in this land are being installed in front of the seat of people’s power. Basavanna strove for social, economic and intellectual progress while Kempegowda built the beautiful city of Bengaluru. After the issue of installation of the statues was approved by the cabinet, it was discussed with Assembly Speaker Vishweshwara Hegde Kageri and Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti. All arrangements have been made to install the statues in about two months”, he said, while appreciating the efforts of Revenue Minister R Ashoka.
Further, he said, “The ceremony is being held in the presence of revered religious heads whose guidance is necessary to ensure all-round development of the state. The statues of the two luminaries are being installed to that they inspire people”.
Union Minister D V Sadananda Gowda, state Ministers R Ashoka, J C Madhuswamy, C C Patil, Adichunchanagiri Mutt seer Nirmalanandanatha Swami, Spatikapuri Mutt seer Nanjavadhoota Swami, JSS Mutt seer Shivarathri Deshikendra Swami, Pejawar Mutt seer Vishwaprasanna Thirtha Swami and several others participated in the programme.
Later, the Chief Minister and Yediyurappa headed to Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh by helicopter from the HAL airport to take part in various programmes.