Sirsi: After assuming office as the Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Anant Kumar Hegde visited his hometown Sirsi for the first time on Sunday. His followers and the BJP workers welcomed him with great enthusiasm and there was a festival mood in the city.

There was celebration at his home as well. He visited Ganesha and Marikamba temples in the city.

Speaking to reporters, he said: “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given me an opportunity to serve people as minister and I will do my best with honesty,”

“I am a nationalist. Therefore PM Modi has given me a chance and I am proud to work with Modi for the development of the country,” he said.

When asked about Mahadayi issue, he said: “The arrogant attitude of the Congress is the reason for delay in implementing the project and now the Congress is not showing interest to set right the issue,”

He clarified that he will not enter state politics and denied rumors of contesting from Yellapur assembly constituency.

Later in the evening, various organizations, including Tatagaras Seva Samiti, organized felicitation programmes.