From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Jan 30: Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday paid homage to father of the nation, Mahatama Gandhi by garlanding his statue in front of Vidhana Soudha and also offered floral tributes to a portrait of Gandhi kept in front of the statue on his death anniversary, which is also being celebrated as Martyrs Day.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by State Legislative Assembly Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri, Revenue Minister R Ashok, MLAs Rajkumar Patil Telkur, N Ravikumar, Chief Secretary P Ravi Kumar, Additonal Chief Secretary Rakesh Singh and other dignitaries.

Bommai and all the dignitaries observed two minute silence as a tribute to the father of the nation.

Later speaking to the media representatives, the Chief Minister said Gandhi was a great leader who practised what he preached and espoused truth, non-violence and peace as his life’s principles.

Bommai took the occasion to praise Prime Minister Narendra Modi by mentioning that the Union Government was following the teachings of Gandhi such as Grama Swaraj and decentralisation of administration besides adopting "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas" and self-reliance or Atmanirbharata.

Answering questions, he said he proposed to hold discussions with the Director General of Police and City Police Commissioner and senior officials on the toeing policy adopted by the police in order to arrive at a comprehensive review and adopt a rational policy that will eliminate unnecessary inconvenience and difficulties to the public.

To another question on the demand of cinema theatre owners and film distributors on allowing 100% occupancy, the Chief Minister said he will consult the Technical Advisory Committee and his cabinet colleagues on the feasibility of withdrawing the 50% occupancy norm. "We need to examine the issue and take a suitable decision," he said.