Gundlupet: All Government offices in the State should display portraits of the 12th century social reformer Basaveshwara and the Government would issue a circular to this effect soon, said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah yesterday.

Speaking at a programme organised by Gundlupet and Begur Block Congress units to thank voters for the victory in the recently held by-election, Siddharamaiah said, “Basavanna strove for equality in society and stressed on human values. Hence, it has been decided to have the portrait of Basavanna,” he said.

In Bengaluru, Opposition Leader in Legislative Assembly Jagadish Shettar welcomed the Government’s decision on mandatory display of Basavanna’s portrait in all Government offices.

Shettar on Tuesday had written to Chief Minister Siddharamaiah that it would be a fitting tribute to Basavanna if his portraits were displayed in all Government offices. Shettar recalled that the Maharashtra Government had taken a similar decision recently.