Bengaluru: Former chief minister Siddaramaiah and incumbent CM B S Yediyurappa are in a metaphorical tug-of-war over the official residence “Cauvery”. As per reports, BSY has asked the Congress leader to vacate the government bungalow located in the Kumara Park area, where the latter has been residing for the past six years, ever since he took office in 2013.
It can be recalled that the Department of Personnel and Administrative (DPAR) Services had, on October 20, directed Siddaramaiah to vacate the ‘Cauvery’ residence (reserved for the state’s CM) within the next four days. They had allotted the residence to BSY as per protocol.
However, the former CM is reluctant to vacate his home of six years (2013-2018). After his name board was taken down from the bungalow, Siddaramaiah responded by questioning if it was really necessary to do such a thing as it is a government bungalow and he has to vacate it if he is asked to do so. He is even reported to have written to the DPAR asking them to allow him to continue living at the Cauvery bungalow as he has been appointed as the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly.
Reportedly, the DPAR offered Siddaramaiah the option to move into the bungalow previously allotted to BSY, at No 2, Race Course Road, a residence chosen by the latter as he considered it to be lucky for him. He has been residing here for the past three months.
According to officials, BSY wants to occupy the Cauvery bungalow to reduce his struggles in managing meetings at both Krishna (official office/residence of the CM) and his private residence in Dollars Colony. The Cauvery bungalow is located right next to the Krishna bungalow, separated only by a small gate.
A senior official at the DPAR told Times of India that the CM is trying to control the number of people visiting his permanent residence. He is also trying to reduce the amount of travel from Krishna to his permanent residence after official meetings.
