Karnataka seeks protocol for MLAs to offer Tirupati's first aarti: CM Shivakumar

Bengaluru, Jul 13 (PTI) Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday said the state government would work out a protocol to let elected representatives from the state offer the traditional first aarti at the Tirupati temple, while making clear it would not interfere with its existing guidelines or customs. The CM said the privilege of offering the first aarti had historically belonged to Karnataka and that the government only wanted to extend the opportunity beyond government officials to public representatives from across political parties. "Regarding Tirupati, from the time of the Maharajas, the privilege of offering the first aarti has belonged to Karnataka. So far, an officer has been performing that responsibility. Instead of only an officer, we want to provide an opportunity for elected representatives who visit Tirupati," he told reporters in Bengaluru. The CM said MLAs, ministers, judges, officials and other public representatives connected with Karnataka should be allowed to participate in the ritual whenever they visit the temple. "This is not only for the Congress or the JD(S); representatives from all parties should get the opportunity. Whenever any MLA from our state visits Tirupati, there is an opportunity to offer the aarti on behalf of Karnataka. The first aarti belongs to Karnataka," he said. Shivakumar said officials would continue to facilitate the ritual and that the government would frame a protocol in accordance with the existing guidelines governing the temple. "There are established guidelines for this, and we will act according to the protocol. On different occasions, even a tahsildar, an assistant commissioner, an MLA, a mayor or an MP may get the opportunity. They all serve the people, and they should have this privilege," he said. Emphasising that the state was not seeking any special concession, Shivakumar said the proposal was only to broaden participation while respecting the temple's established practices. "I have discussed only the guidelines. As per the existing rules, only the CM has that privilege," he said. Shivakumar clarified that he was not asking for any special concession and that everything should continue as per the existing system and according to the law. "I do not want to interfere with the Tirupati guidelines. Whatever guidelines and traditions Tirupati follows should continue. Our only request is that our representatives should get an opportunity to offer the aarti," he said. PTI GMS SSK