On a day when both houses of state legislature devoted their time for paying tributes to former minister VS Acharya, the empty BJP benches embarrassed the CM.
Former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa and his loyalists boycotted the first day of budget session of state legislature on Tuesday to mount the pressure on party central leadership to fulfil his demand for reinstating him as the chief minister.
On a day when both houses of state legislature devoted their time for paying tributes to former minister VS Acharya, who passed away recently, the empty BJP benches in the assembly severely embarrassed chief minister DV Sadananda Gowda who took pride in stating that Acharya was his political guru.
Just 42 of the 120 BJP MLAs turned up to attend the proceedings in the assembly as Yeddyurappa and his loyalists preferred to stay put in the luxury resort on the outskirts of Bangalore.
However, Yeddyurappa and his supporters held a condolence meeting in the resort itself and paid tributes to Acharya. Ministers Jagadish Shettar, CM Udasi and a few MLAs were allowed to attend the session as representatives of the Yeddyurappa group.
Members cutting across party lines recalled the simplicity and honesty of Acharya and said it was rare to find such men of integrity and clean record in politics today.
Rich tributes were paid in legislative council too.
“Congress leaders like Janardhana Poojari stayed till 4 am to participate in the final rites conducted for Acharya. Another senior leader from the same party Oscar Fernandes, Union minister Veerappa Moily came down to pay their respects. Such was the stature of Acharya who transcended the party barriers. He was a model for politicians,” the chief minister said, as Congress and JD (S) leaders nodded their heads in agreement.
Gowda further attributed his growth in political career to Acharya.
“When I became the chief minister, he gave me a 25-page booklet. Based on those points I reviewed 34 departments in 16 days. Now, I am presenting the budget and his memories haunt me,” he added.
Gowda pointed out that even after becoming a leader Acharya used to travel all the way to Belgaum and Mysore on his scooter for party work. As a minister, his monthly expenses never crossed Rs23,500 when politicians spend Rs2 lakh per day.
In the 1970’s, Acharya drove former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Kannur from Mangalore Airport.
He never gave his cell phone to his assistant. He disposed of files religiously. He was the man behind the creation of various task forces. Vajpayee became fond of him after seeing his workaholic nature, Gowda recalled.
The leader of opposition in legislative council, Motamma, recalled how Acharya expressed his helplessness when she asked him about Padmapriya murder case. She repented for throwing tantrums during the discussion on banning Made Snana.
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