Banter over CM’s shawl – The Hindu

A light-hearted exchange over Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s shawl added a touch of humour to proceedings in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.

Replying to the Budget debate, Mr. Siddaramaiah explained why he chose to wear a shawl, and not his usual towel. “If I wear a towel, it slips off when I bend. A shawl stays in place when worn around the neck,” he said, drawing laughter in the House.

The Chief Minister explained it was a pure Mysore silk shawl. Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar quipped that it cost around ₹13,500, which Mr. Siddaramaiah confirmed with a smile. He also joked that he was unaware of the type of shawl worn by Mr. Shivakumar, suggesting it might be a woollen one.

Amid queries from the Opposition on whether the shawl was a gift from Mr. Shivakumar, Mr. Siddaramaiah clarified that it was not. “There’s no science, no Rahu or Gulika or anything behind wearing the shawl,” the Chief Minister remarked, continuing the banter.

JD(S) member G.T. Deve Gowda, who was wearing a towel across the shoulder, chimed in to support the Chief Minister’s explanation.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok noted that even the Speaker was wearing a shawl. Mr. Siddaramaiah responded that it was due to the photo session scheduled for the day, prompting further laughter, as several members, including Mr. Ashok, were seen sporting formal shawls for the occasion.