Chamarajnagar: Tamboori artiste in fray for 5th time

Chamarajnagar: Chamarajnagar which is known for its traditional folk artists, has a Tamboori artiste as its candidate for first phase of gram panchayat elections which will be held in Chamarajnagar district on Tuesday.

P Siddashetty, who hails from Doddamole village has contested for general category seat, of Doddamole gram panchayat elections, in Chamarajnagar taluk.

With Vibhoothi smeared on his forehead, Tamboori on his right hand, a red cloth bag hung to his right hand, sporting a grey waste coat over a white shirt, cladding dothi to his waist, red turban tied to his head, P Siddashetty campaigned by playing his string instrument . And he even sang popular folk songs on lords Manteswamy, Malemahadeswara swamy, Mudukuthore Mallikarjunaswamy. And he addressed people as "brothers and sisters."

Interestingly, Siddashetty has been contesting for gram panchayat elections for past 20 years. And it is now his fifth attempt. While earlier he had got car, jeep, ax, harmonium as his symbols, this time, he has got his own instrument "Tamboori" as his symbol.

Siddashetty has performed in different parts of the State on various occasions including Mysuru dasara, Bengaluru Utsava, Hampi Utsava for past 40 years. He has even performed in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and other parts of the country too. A recipient of annual award given by Bokkegowdanapura Manteswamy Prathishtana, he has even trained several artists.

Interestingly in Chamarajnagar district, aunt Salma Khan and nephew Noorulla have contested for Kaudalli gram panchayat elections in Hanur taluk. At Indiganaththa village in Male Mahadeshwara hills gram panchayat in Hanur taluk, co sisters Rajamma and Nagarathnamma have contested.

And in the same gram panchayat, in Kombudikki village, brother Madeva and sister Belli have contested.