B'lore: Reddy Brothers Skip Grand Anniversary Celebration of BJP

Agencies

Bangalore, May 31: A huge crowd of about 50,000 people gathered at the National College Grounds in Basavanagudi here for the celebration of BJP government's first anniversary — Vikas Sankalp Utsav.

Ministers K S Eswarappa, Janardhana Reddy, Karunakar Reddy and B Sreeramulu were conspicuous with their absence.

State BJP President D V Sadanandagowda also could not attend as he was away in Delhi in connection with a high-level meeting of the party.

Ministers were seated in the front row on the huge dais and all the party legislators behind them.

The rally began with Ganesh Stuti. Transport Minister R Ashok welcomed.

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa inaugurated the colourful rally lighting a traditional lamp.

Former Union Minister Ananth Kumar released a CD on the achievements of the BJP Government in its first year of rule.

Speaking on the occasion, Ananth Kumar said that the BJP Government had stabilised the financial condition in the State.

Referring to some development works he said that the government had taken a significant step in launching power projects.

Ananth Kumar also called upon the opposition parties to co-operate.

Several folk troupes including Nandi Dhwaja, pooja kunitha, Veeragase, Gombe Kunitha and Dollu were performed at the venue since 6 am in the morning.

People started to arrive at the venue since morning in buses and vans from various parts of the State. This led to traffic congestion in the area around national college.

Eswarappa clarifies

Meanwhile, Minister K S Eswarappa told the media in Shimoga that he could not attend BJP rally as he came to Shimoga to attend a mass marriage ceremony.

"This should not be given a different colour. I had informed to the State BJP President about my inability to attend", he added.