Mangaluru: Chief minister Siddaramaiah arrived in Mangaluru on April 24 and visited St Joseph Vaz Shrine in Mudipu. The CM handed over a cheque of Rs 25 lac from the state government to Mudipu shrine. He also assured that discussions will be held with the tourism department to grant more funds for the development of the shrine in the coming days.

Addressing the gathering, CM said " India is a land of diversity, we have different religions, languages, castes, etc, and our uniqueness lies in maintaining unity in diversity. We need to protect this."

He also blasted the fanatics and said that they will spoil the whole atmosphere of communal harmony. He also warned of strict action against anyone involving in disrupting communal harmony in state.

A special prayer was offered for the CM in the beginning. Parish priest of Mudipu Fr Gregory D'Souza welcomed the gathering. Leo D'Souza compered the programme.

Ministers U T Khadar, Ramanath Rai, Qamarul Islam, Vinay Kumar Sorake, MLC Ivan D'Souza, MLAs J R Lobo and Mohiuddin Bava, deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim and others were present.