Timmapur village in Gadag district, often called “Siddaramaiah’s village” for its deep-rooted loyalty to the Karnataka Chief Minister, wore a deserted look on Saturday. Most shops, tea stalls and pan beeda outlets were closed as residents trooped out to see Siddaramaiah during his public program at Kanaka Bhavan in Gadag town.
By early morning, hundreds of villagers had set off in buses, tractors and two-wheelers, travelling 26 km just to catch a glimpse of their leader. Farming activities were halted for the day, with villagers describing the atmosphere as similar to a “lockdown,” as streets remained empty and shutters stayed down.
The bond between Timmapur and Siddaramaiah goes back to the 1990s, when he visited the village during his Koppal Lok Sabha campaign. Though he lost that election, locals recall how he patiently listened to their problems and helped resolve many of them, earning a loyal following that cut across caste, religion and party lines.
Over the years, Timmapur has celebrated Siddaramaiah’s milestones almost like personal festivals. When he became Chief Minister in 2023, the entire village performed pujas in temples to mark the occasion. Earlier this year, a villager even carried his photo to Prayagraj and performed a ritual bath, praying for Siddaramaiah’s continued leadership.
On Saturday, the devotion was once again visible. “Timmapur almost emptied out. By 9 am, grocery and tea shops were shut and everyone left to sit in the front rows to see the CM. The village truly looks up to him as one of their own,” said Yallappa Babari, a local farmer leader.
For Timmapur, Siddaramaiah’s visit was not just another political event it was a celebration of their long-standing bond with a leader they proudly call their own.
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