GADAG: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday offered special prayers at Mukti Mandir in Laxmeshwar taluk, seeking good rainfall and agricultural prospects for Karnataka. The visit came against the backdrop of severe drought conditions reported in several parts of Gadag district.
Shivakumar paid homage at the samadhi of Lingayata seer Veeragangadhar Swami and performed a special puja for nearly 30 minutes. He said Mukti Mandir was particularly close to his heart and that he had earlier prayed at the shrine with the wish of becoming chief minister.
Speaking to reporters after the puja, Shivakumar said the drought situation in Gadag was severe and crops including cotton, chilli and groundnut had been affected.
“I saw the fields from the helicopter while coming here. Many fields appeared empty. Apart from the Almatti reservoir, there is very little water,” he said, adding that he had prayed for good rains and a better agricultural season across the state.
He also stressed the need to respect and protect all faiths and said the prayers were conducted as part of the religious traditions associated with the shrine.
Meanwhile, seer Nonavinakere Ajjayya made a political prediction following Shivakumar’s prayers. According to the seer, Shivakumar would occupy the chief minister’s post from 2028 and continue in the position for the next eight to 10 years.
The seer said special rituals were performed seeking good health, longevity and continued development under Shivakumar’s leadership. The prediction comes amid continued political speculation over the chief ministerial issue within the Karnataka Congress.
Shivakumar did not make any fresh political statement regarding the prediction.
