BENGALURU: Corridors of power in Bengaluru, which had seen a couple of months of hibernation owing to polls and the drama following the same, were yet again buzzing with activities on Monday. The smell of varnish and the sound of sandpaper cleaning window and door frames filled the air.
While workers toiled to prepare the few rooms where ministers and their staffers are yet to move in, other offices where ministers have moved were filled with guests and well-wishers giving the ministers a warm welcome. Bouquets and garlands were also plentiful, as supporters got the first opportunity to greet the ministers after cabinet berths were announced.
Prayers and rituals
Allocation of cabinet berths was delayed due to the dissidence drama of Congress MLAs who are unhappy over not being included in the cabinet. After the announcement of berths, the ministers could report to work only on Monday as government offices were closed on June 9, the second Saturday of the month.
Almost all the ministers who took charge on Monday held multiple meetings with officials of the departments they have been allotted. For instance, while Revenue and Skill Development minister R V Deshpande held meetings with officials of the two departments, D K Shivakumar held meetings with officials of Medical Education and Water Resources departments.
Several of the ministers, such as Labour minister Venkataramanappa and Tourism Minister Sa Ra Mahesh were among those who held rituals to mark their ministerial tenure. The entrance of Mahesh’s office was decked with flowers, and people with garlands and bouquets queued up to greet the new minister.
While rituals in most of the offices were held in the morning, rituals were held in Venkataramanappa’s office in the afternoon. After a coconut was broken in front of the door of his office, a priest conducted prayers inside the office and offered prasadam to the gathering. After the puja was completed, supporters of the minister did not forget to break an ash gourd with camphor to mark the auspicious occasion.
A few ministers, including Industries Minister K J George, are yet to assume office.