Cellphone is nuisance, necessary evil: Chief minister Siddaramaiah

BENGALURU: Politicians are increasingly using smart phones and social network ing sites to further their polit ical agenda, but not chief minister Siddaramaiah. "I do have a mobile phone but I use it only when needed I don't use a smartphone and my personal staff manage it including all my social media commitments. Mobile phone is a nuisance but it's a neces sary evil," said Siddara maiah after launching a digital Kannada portal here. He candidly added: "I find life and work generally far easier without carrying my phone. Otherwise, I feel very irritated when it is with me. I keep getting calls, sometimes even after midnight. But my personal staff attend (to the calls) and pass on relevant information." Former law minister MC Nanaiah, who was present at the event, said he has made a conscious effort not to use social networking sites. "I decided against Twitter after a fellow politician received adverse comments. So it's better to stay clear," he said. Enjoying human company is more rewarding than repeatedly looking at your phone, Nanaiah said and argued that the reason for fights between couples is the smartphone. "What more can one expect if spouses are glued to smartphones to constantly see updates," he added. -TOI