BENGALURU: Former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah appears set for a quieter phase in Mysuru, with the housewarming ceremony of his new residence in Kuvempu Nagar held on Monday coinciding with Ganesh Chaturthi.
Rituals associated with the griha pravesh were reportedly underway at the house on Sunday night, with neighbours noticing activity at the relatively large residence, which has been under construction for several years.
Sources said the housewarming was a low-key family affair, with only close relatives and friends invited. Politicians were reportedly kept out of the guest list, in keeping with the private nature of the event.
The new residence has also triggered speculation about Siddaramaiah’s plans for the next phase of his political life.
The former CM had recently indicated that he may not be in a position to contest elections in the future because as politics has become polluted and expensive.
Against this backdrop, his settling down in Mysuru has been viewed as a possible move towards a semi-retired life, even though he remains an influential figure in state politics.
Siddaramaiah stepped down as chief minister more than three months ago, after which D K Shivakumar took over as his successor.
Siddaramaiah is a Congress Working Committee Member and remains closely associated with the party at the highest level.
At present, Siddaramaiah continues to occupy Kaveri, the official residence allotted to him during his tenure as chief minister. The house had reportedly been allotted in the name of his son, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, who is a minister.
The new Kuvempu Nagar residence, however, marks a significant shift from the trappings of the chief ministerial office. While Siddaramaiah’s political future remains a subject of considerable interest within the Congress, the decision to establish a permanent home in Mysuru could indicate his intention to spend more time away from the daily demands of electoral politics.
For a leader who has dominated Karnataka’s political landscape for decades, the housewarming therefore carries significance beyond a family ceremony.
It comes at a time when questions over succession, his electoral plans and the next phase of his public life are already being discussed in political circles.