Tension at Arasikere Rally as CM Siddaramaiah Halts Speech Over Cabinet Slogan Chants

Bangalore Mail Correspondent

ARASIKERE, July 27: A high-voltage moment unfolded during Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s visit to Arasikere on Saturday when the atmosphere turned charged with demands for a ministerial post for local MLA K.M. Shivalingegowda.

The Chief Minister, who was in town to launch development projects worth over ₹500 crore, was greeted by a large, enthusiastic crowd. However, the event took a dramatic turn when a group of supporters began chanting slogans pressing for Shivalingegowda’s inclusion in the state cabinet.

Initially attempting to carry on with his speech, the Chief Minister appeared visibly irritated as the chants grew louder and persistent. Breaking from his usual composure, Siddaramaiah abruptly paused his address and walked back to his seat, bringing the function to a halt.

The unexpected move startled those on the dais, prompting MLA Shivalingegowda and district in-charge minister K.N. Rajanna to quickly intervene. Both leaders appealed to the crowd to show restraint and allow the event to proceed respectfully.

After order was restored, Siddaramaiah returned to the microphone and addressed the issue firmly. He clarified that the decision to induct legislators into the cabinet lies with the party high command, not with him personally. “Such matters should not be debated in public forums,” he remarked.

While refraining from any direct promises, the Chief Minister did hint at Shivalingegowda’s potential, noting his dedication and long-standing service as a legislator. “He has all the qualities needed for a ministerial role,” Siddaramaiah said, urging the crowd to show their support through silence rather than slogans.

He praised Shivalingegowda for representing the constituency for four consecutive terms and urged voters to back him again in the 2028 assembly elections. “He’s among the most respected and popular MLAs in the state,” the CM added.

Housing Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan, also present at the event, echoed the sentiment and appealed to the party leadership to consider Shivalingegowda for a cabinet position.