The beleaguered state BJP plunged into more grief after higher education minister Dr Vedavyas Srinivas Acharya died of a massive heart attack after collapsing at a function here on Tuesday. He was 72.
Acharya, who arrived an hour late to address a seminar organised by the Karnataka State Government College Principal’s forum at the Government Science College at 10.30 am, collapsed while hurrying upstairs. He was rushed to Mallige hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Chief minister DV Sadananda Gowda, his ministerial colleagues Govind Karjol, Suresh Kumar, Vishweshwara Hegde Kageri and others rushed to the hospital on hearing the news.
“Acharya was my political guru. He was a leader without a blot in his long political career. He was, in a way, responsible in myself becoming the chief minister. He was like a God in the BJP,” said Gowda.
Acharya had collapsed a week ago in the legislative council as well and was immediately given medical treatment. A diabetic, his health had been steadily deteriorating. He even had requested the chief minister to relieve him from his ministerial responsibilities.
Known for his integrity and commitment to the BJP’s ideology, Acharya was part of its manifesto drafting committees for 40 years. He was known as ‘Ajatashatru’, a man who had no enemies, by his political rivals.
He was elected to Karnataka legislative assembly for the first time in 1983. He held key portfolios including home, higher education, health education, muzrai, IT & BT, statistics and planning in HD Kumaraswamy, BS Yeddyurappa and DV Sadananda Gowda cabinets.
His body was kept at his official residence on Race Course Road for the public to pay their respects on Tuesday evening, before being taken to Udupi for the last rites.
Acharya is survived by his wife, four sons and a daughter.
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