Can rain be bought? Minister to spend crore on ritual to please rain gods in drought-hit Tumakuru

'Srinivasa Kalyanotsava' is a religious affair performed for the welfare of the world.

Preparations are underway at the stadium in the city to host the big event on April 16. As part of the ritual, the idols of Bhoodevi and Sridevi along with Srinivasa will be brought from Tirumala Tirupathi. At least 15 priests and 40 persons specialised in tying flowers exclusively for 'Srinivasa Kalyanotsava' are also being brought here. According to the Tirumala Temple Trust, Rs 10 lakh need to be deposited with the trust before going ahead with 'Srinivasa Kalyanotsava'. At least, 70,000 devotees are expected to attend the event, reports Kannada Prabha.

Siddaganga math seer Shivakumara swami, Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade, Nanjavadhoota swami of Pattanayakanahalli will be present among others.

But questions are being raised over such a lavish event when the minister could spend the same amount on farmers' welfare. No doubt, it’s common to hold religious rituals to please rain gods during drought. But how justifiable is it to spend such a huge amount on the ritual alone?

The Congress government never loses an opportunity to make tall claims about their contribution to uplift farmers' lives in the state. Will Chief Minister Siddaramaiah justify 'Srinivasa Kalyanotsava' – to be conducted by his colleague – as a way to better distressed farmers’ lives?

• srinivasa kalyanotsava
• minister tb jayachandra
• tumakuru drought-hit