Mysuru: It was time for special pujas by workers of all parties during the first half of Saturday as chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa was to face the crucial test on the floor of the House on Saturday.
In the morning, several BJP workers climbed the 1001 steps of Chamundi Hills, seeking the blessings of Goddess Chamundeshwari to ensure the victory of Mr Yeddyurappa on the floor of the House. On the other hand, Congress and JD(S) workers offered special pujas at Ganapathi and Anjaneya Swamy temples at the North Gate of Mysuru Palace to ensure the victory of the coalition. A JD(S) worker, Pehlwan Venkatesh, from Hinkal began his padayatra to Tirupati Tirumala to fulfil his vow of performing the task if G.T. Devegowda won from Chamundeshwari constituency against former CM Siddaramaiah, and if Kumarswamy became the chief minister. By 4 pm, when it became clear that state JD(S) chief H.D. Kumaraswamy would become the chief minister, JD(S) workers offered special pujas at the Saptha Maathruka Chamundeshwari Temple at Vijayanagar. Congress and JD(S) workers together celebrated the occasion by bursting crackers at Agrahara Circle and distributing sweets. Mysuru city and district police were on high alert and prohibitory orders under Section 144 were in place at eight assembly constituencies of Chamundeshwari, Varuna, Hunsur, Piriyapatna, H.D. Kote, Nanjangud, T. Narsipur and K.R. Nagar from 10 am till midnight to prevent any untoward incidents.
