Tumkur, Nov. 29 -- A wave of public demonstrations erupted in Tumkur on Saturday as scores of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's supporters gathered to oppose any move by the Congress high command to change the state's leadership. The day-long show of solidarity featured a series of symbolic religious rituals, a human chain, and vocal pledges urging that Siddaramaiah be allowed to complete his full five-year term.

The agitation began at the historic Kote Anjaneya temple, where supporters performed special puja ceremonies seeking divine blessings for the continuation of Siddaramaiah's tenure. Temple priests blessed posters and hoardings carrying the Chief Minister's images, while devotees performed Urulu Seva on a public road and smashed 101 t...