Mysore/Mysuru, Jan. 5 -- Eleven days after the helium cylinder blast that killed three people in front of Jayamarthanda Gate of Mysore Palace on Dec. 25, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah this noon announced that the Government would pay an ex gratia of Rs. 5 lakh to the families of deceased.

Speaking to mediapersons upon his arrival on a two-day visit to the city at Mysore Airport here this noon, Siddaramaiah said that ex gratia would soon be paid to the families of the deceased.

"Thanks to the blessings of the people, tomorrow I will be breaking the record of former Chief Minister late D. Devaraj Urs for the longest tenure of Chief Minister of Karnataka. Like me, Devaraj Urs hailed from Mysuru district. It will not be wise to compare me wit...