Mysuru: Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Rizwan Arshad, who was on his first visit to the city on Tuesday after becoming a Minister, visited Suttur Mutt at the foot of Chamundi Hill and sought the blessings of Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji.

He also held talks with the Seer on different issues for over half-an-hour and had breakfast at the Mutt.

Earlier in the day, Arshad visited St. Philomena’s College at Bannimantap and interacted with the students. During the interaction, the Minister recalled his association with the College and reminisced on his student days at Mysuru.

Bishop of Mysuru Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao SJ greeting the Minister at the Bishop House ‘Sanmargi’ in Bannimantap yesterday.

Later speaking to press persons, Arshad said, he got a Ministerial berth because of the support of the people and now he would make efforts to repay their debt. Stating that he was born and brought up in Mysuru, he said, he would make honest efforts to meet the expectations of the people of the State, serving as the Food and Civil Supplies Minister.

Yesterday, the Minister visited Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hill and sought the blessings of the presiding deity besides praying for peace, prosperity and welfare of the people and State.

Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji felicitating the Minister at Suttur Mutt, foot of Chamundi Hill, in city on Tuesday

Rizwan was later felicitated by the Temple authorities.

He later visited the Bishop House ‘Sanmargi’ on Nelson Mandela Road in Bannimantap and met Bishop of Mysuru Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao SJ and sought his blessings.

Bishop’s representative M. Anthappa shared information about Rizwan’s childhood days, his education and his association with the Church.

Later, the Minister and the Bishop held talks for over 30 minutes regarding Hanur shootout incident. The Bishop urged for an independent probe into the incident and punishment for the guilty. He also requested the Minister for an appointment to meet the Chief Minister in this regard.

Rizwan, in his reply, said that he would arrange for a meeting with CM D.K. Shivakumar after Sept. 8 and assured of demanding action after an open discussion.   

Congress leader N.M. Naveen Kumar and others were present.