Hans News Service Belagavi

KarnatakaChief Minister DK Shivakumar received a grand welcome from Congress leaders, legislators and thousands of party workers during his first visit to Belagavi after assuming office as Chief Minister.

Shivakumar arrived at Sambra Airport on a special flight from Bengaluru, where enthusiastic supporters greeted him with chants of “DK... DK...”, showered flower petals, presented bouquets and celebrated his arrival amid a festive atmosphere. Among those who welcomed the Chief Minister were Ministers M.B. Patil and Satish Jarkiholi, MLAs Lakshmi Hebbalkar, Ashok Pattan, Babasaheb Patil, Asif Sait, Vijayanand Kashappanavar, Mahendra Thammannavar, Vishwas Vaidya, Belagavi District Congress President Vinay Navalagatti, and several senior party leaders. Shivakumar later received a ceremonial guard of honour from the police. Thousands of Congress workers had gathered outside the airport, where flower petals were showered from JCB machines as the Chief Minister’s convoy passed by. Supporters also burst crackers and raised slogans in celebration. Speaking to reporters before leaving the airport, Shivakumar said his ongoing tour across Karnataka is aimed at reviewing the prevailing rainfall situation, assessing crop conditions and monitoring development works. “My tour began in Basavakalyan and continued through Bidar and Kalaburagi. Today, I have reached Belagavi. Along with ministers, I will hold meetings with local legislators to review development projects and discuss issues concerning the people of this region,” the Chief Minister said.