Statue of Former CM Siddaramaiah Removed After Unauthorized Installation, Minister States

Karnataka's former chief minister Siddaramaiah's nine‑foot bronze figure was dismantled on Thursday after city officials discovered it had been set up without any official sanction. Irrigation minister Ajay Singh told reporters that the removal was strictly a matter of compliance with existing regulations governing public monuments.

Singh clarified that there is no political motive behind the action and that the timing does not align with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's recent visit to Kalaburagi. He noted that both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were not consulted about the statue's placement.

The unauthorized erection was reportedly carried out by a small faction, including members of the Kuruba community, who were also pressing for the High Court circle to be renamed after Siddaramaiah. Police presence ensured a smooth demolition, and no law‑and‑order issues were reported.