Bangalore, Oct 5 (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today expressed displeasure on the media reports that he was wearing footwear while showering petals on goddess Chamundeshwari during Vijaya Dashami celebrations, as part of Dasara festivities at Mysore yesterday.

Siddaramaiah, in a statement released through the state Information Department, said he has highest respect for goddess Chamundeshwari and would never do anything that will hurt the sentiments of the people.

Stating that the reports were false, he said creating such unnecessary controversy would harm the happy atmosphere during the festivities and it is also not good for the society.

The "Jumbo savari", observed in the royal style since the days of the erstwhile Mysore Maharajas to mark the end of 10-day-long Dasara festivities, took place yesterday with Siddaramaiah showering petals on goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of the historical city.

A section of media had reported that the Chief Minister was wearing footwear while offering flowers to the goddess.

Siddaramaiah also tweeted on the issue with some pictures as evidence.

"I wore Black shoes & ankle length White socks for Dasara Utsava. Truth is in these pics. #FalseMediaReports" Siddaramaiah tweeted.

He said "When the jumbo savari of Chamundeshwari approached the dais, I removed my black shoes, climbed up the ladder & ushered flowers to Goddess".

He further tweeted that "Several MediaHouses & few people on social media are spreading rumours that I was wearing white shoes while i was seeking her blessings".

"Please do not spread rumours or rely on unreliable info. The truth is in these pictures, I have uploaded! #FalseMediaReports" he added.