Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy has assured the people of Mandya that he is making all efforts to bring the mortal remains of actor Ambareesh to the city and requested he requested not to demand his funeral in the city.
Kannada actor Ambareesh died due to a heart attack late on Saturday and the news about his sudden death came as a rude shock to his fans across the state. It was reported that his body would be kept at Kanteerava Stadium and his cremation would be held at Kanteerava Studio in Bengaluru.
The people of Mandya, which struggled to digest the news about Ambareesh's death, were upset with the Karnataka government's decision. They demanded the Chief Minister to perform his last rights in the city. When he did not yield to their demand, they requested him to make arrangements for the public to pay last respects to him in the city.
CM HD Kumaraswamy addressed the media at the Kanteerava Stadium, where Ambareesh's body has been kept for public darshan. He said, "I have already spoken to Union Defense Minister Nirmala Sitaraman through telephone and requested her to provide us with a defence helicopter to carry his body to Mandya. She has agreed and asked for half an hour for confirmation."
The Chief Minister of the state said, "Some people are abusing me for not performing his last rights or keeping his body in the city for last darshan. But the government understands the feelings of the people and it is working towards it. I request everyone to maintain peace. If we get the Helicopter, I will surely make arrangements for his last darshan at the Vishweshwaraya Stadium in the city."
Meanwhile, HD Kumaraswamy requested the people of Bangalore for their co-operation. He added, "His body will be taken to Mandya this evening and it will be kept there till next day morning for the public to pay last respect to him. The people in Bangalore can pay their respect to him up to 4.00 pm on Sunday and I request them to maintain peace in the city."
Half an hour later, HD Kumaraswamy addressed media again and confirmed that the Union government has agreed to provide the helicopter. He thanked Nirmala Sitaraman and others for their co-operation.
The CM said, "I understood your love and respect for Ambareesh. So I have tried my best to make arrangements for his last darshan in your city. But I request you not to make an arrogant demand for his final rights in the city. He has done a lot of contribution not just to Mandya, but also to the whole state. Hence, we have decided to perform his last rights in Bangalore as a mark of respect to his contribution."
