K’taka CM Shivakumar offers prayers at Ganagapur for good rain; announces development of pilgrimage centre

Kalaburagi (Karnataka), Sept 17 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, on Thursday visited the famous Sri Dattatreya temple at Ganagapur in Kalaburagi district and offered special prayers for good rainfall, prosperity, peace and the well-being of the people of the state. He also spoke of his government’s plans for the development of the Ganagapur pilgrimage centre.

Speaking to the media after offering prayers, CM Shivakumar said he prayed for relief from the severe drought situation facing the state and for good rain and agricultural prosperity.

“Ganagapur is one of the most sacred and prominent pilgrimage centres in South India. There is a strong belief that the wishes of devotees who visit this place are fulfilled. During my difficult times and throughout my journey of development, the priests and devotees here have continuously prayed for me and for the welfare of the state. Today is an auspicious day, and I have received the opportunity to pray to the Lord during the 79th Kalyana Karnataka Utsav,” he said.

CM Shivakumar said the state government had already announced plans for the overall development of the Ganagapur pilgrimage centre and to provide essential facilities for devotees.

“Based on the requests of the local MLA and the district in-charge minister, development works will be taken up in phases to ensure the overall development of the pilgrimage centre,” he said.

Referring to the drought situation, the Chief Minister alleged that BJP leaders had failed to discuss the issue during the Assembly session and had instead engaged in politics.

He said a three-day special session of the Assembly had been convened from September 21 to discuss the drought situation in the state.

Minister Priyank Kharge, MLA M.Y. Allamprabhu Patil, Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation chairman Arun Kumar M.Y. Patil and others were present during the Chief Minister’s visit.

It can be noted that Ganagapur in Kalaburagi district is a prominent Dattatreya pilgrimage centre associated with Sri Narasimha Saraswati Swami. The Nirgun Math and the sacred Bhima-Amaraja river confluence are among its major religious landmarks.

–IANS

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