Mysuru: Thousands of pilgrims today congregated at Suttur Srikshetra in Nanjangud taluk where the six-day Jatra festival of Adi Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Shivayogi Mahaswamiji, founder of Jagadguru Sri Veerasimhasana Mahasamsthana Mutt, concluded with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah delivering the valedictory address.

The valedictory was held in the presence of Suttur Seer Sri Shivaratri Deshikendra Swamiji, Sri Siddalinga Mahaswamiji of Siddaganga Kshethra, Tumakuru and Dr. Sri Shadakshari Shivayogi Murugharajendra Mahaswamiji of Sri Murugharajendra Mutt, Jidaga, Mugulakhoda.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who landed at the Suttur helipad at about 11.20 am in a helicopter, was taken in a grand procession from the Gadduge to the venue of the programme during which he laid the foundation stone for a Museum building, attended the valedictory of Exhibition, Krishi Mela and Cultural festival before leaving for Mysuru.

Speaking to media persons on his arrival at Suttur, the Chief Minister reiterated that he had not de-notified any land in Arkavathi Layout and alleged that the de-notifications had been done by the officials of BDA in connivance with politicians during the reign of H.D. Kumaraswamy and B.S. Yeddyurappa as CMs.

He also accused the BJP of trying to gain political mileage by making false allegations against him and his Government on the Arkavathi issue.

Siddaramaiah also accused the NDA government at the Centre of not slashing the prices of petrol and diesel in parity with the reduction of prices in crude oil in the international market,  besides accusing it of pursuing anti-famer policy by bringing in an ordinance on he Land Acquisition Act.

Revenue Minister V. Sreenivasa Prasad, PWD Minister Dr. H.C.Mahadevappa, Co-operation Minister H.S. Mahadevaprasad, MP R. Dhruvanarayan, DC Shikha, ADC Archana and SP Abhinav Khare were present.