A 78-year-old Christian businessman, who spent his working years in Mumbai and attributes his success to Siddhivinayak, has built a temple for the deity in his hometown near Udupi, Karnataka. Gabriel F Nazereth said he built the temple on his ancestral land in the memory of his parents. “Gabriel is thrilled about his wish being fulfilled,” said his friend Pundalika Marathe, adding, “Gabriel went to Mumbai in search of a job after completing Class 10. After doing odd jobs for a few years, he set up a factory manufacturing blocks and moulds. He lived in Mumbai for nearly 55 years and became a Ganesha devotee. “He remains a Christian but also believes in Lord Siddhivinayak, who is the most revered in Mumbai.”
Karnatak CM dismisses rumours about resignation
Amid rumours of his resignation, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said there was no change of guard in the state. Yediyurappa met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief J P Nadda, home minster Amit Shah and defence minister Rajnath minister during his Delhi visit. His Delhi visit is reportedly at the instance of the PM. Following the meeting, an official statement released by the Chief Minister’s Office said, “During the meeting, the CM requested that the Upper Bhadra Project be declared a national project and also sought financial assistance for the Bengaluru Peripheral Ring Road project. The Mekedatu project and establishing a US Consulate were also discussed.” A close associate of Yediyurappa, who had accompanied him to the national capital, also denied the rumours of his resignation. Sources close Yediyurappa said that the Chief Minister will be back in Delhi next month to meet the Prime Minister with proposals for the state’s development.
