Bringing back clean admin my priority: Siddaramaiah

Siddaramaiah, who would be the new Karnataka Chief Minister, on Friday, said putting the 'collapsed" administration back on track would be a major challenge facing him in his new role.

"The development of the state has gone 10 years back," Siddaramaiah told reporters after he was elected leader of the Congress Legislature Party.

In the May 5 Assembly polls, the Congress had decimated the ruling BJP and staged a spectacular comeback to power after seven years. He said the date of his swearing-in ceremony as Chief Minister had not yet been decided but it could be either on May 12 or May 13.

Asked whether he would have Deputy Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah said "the High Command will decide." Replying to a query, Siddaramaiah maintained that there was no secret ballot on the CLP leadership issue and the decision was unanimous.

"The MLAs were asked to give their preference in writing, instead of orally, and it (election) was done in a democratic and transparent way," Siddaramaiah said.

"After eliciting the opinion of legislators, the issue was discussed with Sonia Gandhi. Subsequently, Antony announced that as per her directive, I have been elected CLP leader," he said.

Siddaramaiah said the Congress was committed to inclusive growth and would make sincere efforts in this regard. People were expecting a different government and a government which functions. They were also expecting a corruption-free and transparent government, he said.

Siddaramaiah said he would try to live up to people's expectations. He expressed his gratitude to Sonia Gandhi and party Vice President Rahul Gandhi for reposing faith on him as the CLP Leader

Four decades after, Mysore is happy to see a man from the district to occupy the post of the Chief Minister of Karnataka. After D Devaraj Urs, Siddaramaiah will be the next Mysorean to take charge of the command of the State as Chief Minister. Devaraj Urs was the Chief Minister from 1972-77 and 1978-80 when many progressive policies were brought in.

A member of the Urs community of the royal family of Mysore, Devaraj Urs hailed from Hunsur, one of the taluks in Mysore district.

On the other hand, a Kuruba community leader, Siddaramaiah hails from Mysore taluk having roots in his village Siddaramanahundi, on the outskirts of Mysore.

Soon after the announcement of Siddaramiah as the next CM, his supporters in Mysore they cheered and burst crackers amidst joyous celebrations.

Under Siddaramaiah's leadership, it is expected that the heritage city, which is the second important city in Karnataka, would get a boost in its all-round development.

Hailing Siddaramaiah's selection, President of the Mysore Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Sudhakar S.Shetty said Mysore had secured this post after some 35 years. His choice augured well for Mysore, which is denied of economic, social and infrastructural facilities.

The Congress leader was aware of these issues and he would bestow his attention towards Mysore's development, Shetty expressed his confidence.