Kudalasangam (Bagalkot district), September 20: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified to presspersons here on Thursday that as the Congress has found no evidence against Minister of State for Infrastructure Development Santosh S. Lad’s involvement in the illegal mining case, the question of seeking his resignation does not arise. Before participating in the Basavajayanti programme at Kudalasangam here, Mr. Siddaramaiah said: “He will continue to be part of the government.”
Later, Mr. Siddaramaiah lamented that superstitions and blind belief were still prevailing in society. “Ancient rituals such as made snana being practised in Kukke Subramanya temple is testimony to the strong-rooted presence of superstitions in society. Such inhuman practices should be eliminated, and the government is serious about it,” he said.
Claiming that his government was committed to provide social justice, equality and a hut-free State, Mr. Siddaramaiah reiterated that all irrigation projects would be completed in five years by allocating Rs. 10,000 crore a year for the projects.
He said approval had been given for the construction of a bridge-cum-barrage between Adavihal and Kudalasangam.
Basavajaya Mrutyunjayaswamy, seer of the Panchamasali Math of Kudalasangam, and Ministers S.R. Patil, Umashree, M.B. Patil, Deputy Commissioner Manoj Jain and MLAs of Bagalkot district were present.