Mysore/Mysuru:  Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje, who visited the City BJP Office here yesterday for the first time after assuming the office of Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Labour and Employment, was felicitated by the party leaders.

Speaking on the occasion, she said CM Siddaramaiah must own the responsibility for Valmiki Corporation scam and added that former Minister B. Nagendra was made a scapegoat.

Shobha, who said she would be participating in the Mysuru Chalo Padayatra, added that she will be present for the flagging-off and valedictory as she had to attend the ongoing Parliament Session in New Delhi.

She also took strong exception to Janandolana Public Rally by the Congress to counter the Padayatra by BJP-JD(S).

Earlier, Shobha Karandlaje, like every year visited Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hill on the occasion of last Ashada Friday. Shobha said that she had prayed for well-being of the people at a time when the country was facing heavy floods and drought situation.

MLA T.S. Srivatsa, City BJP President L. Nagendra, former Mayors Sandesh Swamy and Shivakumar, leaders B.P. Manjunath, M.V. Ravishankar, Mangala Somashekar and others were present.