Reddy, Sriramulu climb steps leading to Chamundi Temple

MYSURU: Former BJP minister and mining baron Janardhana Reddy and Ballari MP B Sriramulu climbed the steps of Chamundi Hills and offered special puja at Sri Chamundeshwari Temple here on Saturday.
Reddy, who was arrested by CBI in the illegal mining case and released on bail sometime ago, kept his temple visit private. Neither Reddy's supporters nor BJP activists were kept in the loop. Mediapersons got wind of their visit when the duo was reaching the hill shrine.
This is for the first time that Reddy was seen in public after being released from jail.
The duo, accompanied by security personnel, arrived at the foothills at 12.10pm, started climbing the stairs, and reached the hilltop in an hour. The leaders were joined by Reddy's wife and daughter atop the hills, after which they offered special prayers at the temple. Their visit comes close on the heels of the starting of an investigation by Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Lokayukta into the export of illegally mined ore from Belekeri port.
Reddy, who is keeping a low profile after serving a three-year term, said that he had climbed the steps on earlier occasions too. "I'm visiting Chamundi Hills since my childhood," he told reporters. However, he refused to attach significance to his latest visit. Reddy just smiled when asked whether he is planning to get back to politics. The former minister said that he prayed for the welfare of the state.
Srirmulu said that the latest visit to Chamundi Hills marked the completion of his vow - of climbing the steps with Reddy. "This is for the first time that I'm climbing the steps as an MP. Good days are ahead for all of us, including the Reddy brothers," the MP said, indicating that their political hibernation could end soon.