Deluged by criticism from the Opposition, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday defended his order banning use of vermillion, turmeric and other chemical based colours in the state secretariat Vidhana Soudha and its annexe Vikas Soudha on Ayudha Pooja falling next week. He said this was only a continuation of the notification issued by all the previous governments.Taking to social media platform X, the CM asked people to not listen to the “slanders” being made against his government. “Since these are heritage buildings, we have followed the tradition followed by the previous governments to avoid the damage caused by chemical paints falling on the floor and their stain lasting forever or for a long time,” he said. He also posted pictures of notices from 2022 and 2021 where previous regimes had issued similar orders.
The government circular, which was issued on Thursday, said chemical colours would end up staining the floors of the Vidhana Soudha for months. “Many circulars have been issued before in this regard…it is regrettable that they have not been implemented by certain departments.”
The Opposition BJP slammed the order, calling it “anti-Hindu.” BJP spokesperson Prakash S took to X, accusing the Congress regime of “attacking Hindu traditions.”The 10 day Dasara celebrations – a huge event in Karnataka – began on October 15 and will culminate in a grand Dasara celebration in Mysuru on October 24. Ayudha Pooja falls on October 23 (Monday) and it is customary to worship instruments used daily in one’s profession on that day.
Source: Economic Times
