Mangaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s visit to Sri Dharmasthala Temple in Dakshina Kannada on October 22 has grabbed public criticism after chief minister ate non-vegetarian food just minutes before his visit to the temple, media reports said.

According to television reports, chief minister violated set of traditional beliefs, customs and entered into the temple soon after consuming fish curry on Sunday. In Karnataka, including Dakshina Kannada devotees who visit temples turn vegetarian for at least two to three days to maintain the purity of the temple premise, their own mind and body.

Siddaramaiah along with his cabinet colleagues, Dakshina Kannada District Incharge Minister B Ramanath Rai and state Energy Minister DK Shivakumar took non-vegetarian food just minutes before their entry into the temple premises, reports said.

Chief Minister visited Dakshina Kannada on Sunday to inaugurate various development projects and participate in public events as scheduled. During his visit to Dharmasthala, Siddaramaiah visited historic Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara temple along with his cabinet colleagues.