Siddaramaiah was very much in his element as he went into a leisurely shopping session in the bustling city of Bengaluru on Friday morning. The mood was electric as people in the city were eager to see the politician and how the people in Bengaluru had come out to see him, and what sort of atmosphere would be perfect for spending a day with them. He was a bit of a political celebrity, and it got him recognized by people. The Congress party leader also visited Mantri Mall at Sampige Road in the heart of the busy Malleswaram area, which is a popular place to go for fashion and leisure. He wanted to find comfortable clothes to wear for his morning walk, proving that he likes to keep on going.
Siddaramaiah returned to Bengaluru at night last Thursday after completing several engagements in New Delhi, sources told us. The next day, he decided to go down to the busy shopping centre and to find clothes to suit him to walk. He selected Mantri Mall because of its vast collection of fashion items and its popularity among city dwellers who would like to shop.
Siddaramaiah was welcomed into the mall with great enthusiasm, with people in the crowd wanting to take selfies with him all the time. As shoppers (young and old) were attracted to the sight of the former Chief Minister shopping as he tried to get it right with them, it was a surprise to them. His friendly nature and easy-going demeanor were something that they liked so much that they had to smile and thank him.
Siddaramaiah managed to function with a huge crowd in a very casual manner and was friendly to everyone who came and talked to him. He welcomed everyone with a warm smile and smiled back and forth, was cheerful, and made it a fun experience for all. What could have been a simple shopping trip turned into a memorable one for many shoppers who were able to meet a former Chief Minister outside of the formal political arena. This was a reminder that politicians, like all human beings, can be human and relate to their people in day-to-day life.
The depth of Siddaramaiah’s popularity was evident in the rush of people who eagerly took pictures with him and got pictures of it on their smartphones. Young adults and senior citizens, too, recognized him and found him attractive in the public sphere. In such a relaxed environment, he was a different person at once, so people could see a more approachable person who had a very warm relationship with the community.
Siddaramaiah left the mall with his shopping done (and he did leave an impression on people who came after him), but so did people who were in the mall and with him. Photos and videos were instantly shared on social media; people were excited about the event, and his supporters were excited too. Not only did Siddaramaiah bring happiness to the many shoppers who came across him, but the people of his constituency saw him as not just a political person, but a person who cares and is willing to connect and be a part of the community.
