Bees swarm stage, CM, dignitaries run for cover

The function got up to celebrate the birth centenary of late Deputy Prime Minister Babu Jagjivan Ram on the front steps of the majestic Vidhana Soudha in Bangalore was disrupted when bees swarmed the dais, forcing Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and his ministerial colleagues to run for cover.

Kumaraswamy, who was surprisingly punctual in arriving for the function on time, was quick to scamper away from the dais when the bees began swarming the stage. Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, Federal Minister for Highways K H Muniyappa and other several Ministers, who were present on the occasion, too beat a hasty retreat just as swiftly.

Chief Minister and other dignitaries left the venue giving an impression that he would be back after the bees had buzzed off. When the swarm of bees went away, the dignitaries returned, but Kumaraswamy was conspicuous by his absence. Minister for Youth Services Alkod Hanumanthappa told the gathering that Kumaraswamy will not be able to attend the function and refused to specify the reasons.

The portrait of Jagjivan Ram was unveiled in a hurry and Yediyurappa delivered a short speech. Eight persons, who had worked for the welfare of the Dalit community, were quickly honoured. Barely had the proceedings been completed in a hurry did the swarm of bees return.