The political shadow-boxing between the chief minister and his predecessor was visibly evident at the Basava awards function, leaving the audience amused and the awardees awkward.
The political shadow-boxing between chief minister DV Sadandna Gowda and his predecessor BS Yeddyurappa was visibly evident at the Basava awards function on Monday, leaving the audience amused and the awardees awkward.
Despite sharing the dais at Ravindra Kalakshetra for about 40 minutes, the two leaders neither looked at each other nor exchanged a word.
Yeddyurappa, who arrived a few minutes earlier, left the venue soon after he delivered his speech. He did not wait for Gowda to deliver his address.
This is not all. Yeddyurappa, who inaugurated the programme, expressed displeasure over the recent events.
An emotionally hurt Yeddyurappa said that he is saddened by the allegations hurled against him. “I have been an honest politician working hard for the development of Karnataka. I am deeply hurt by the adverse reports in the media; nobody has even attempted to find out what the truth is and who the real culprits are,” he said.
Yeddyurappa said he has been accused of crimes he has not been involved in. However, he will accept and respect the court’s verdict, he said. “I have always tried to conserve the wealth of the state. Is this what I get in return?” he asked.
“This may not be the right place or the right time to talk about it, but I cannot stop myself from sharing my anguish. I request everybody to pay attention to me at least now and study my case to find out the truth. I do not mind even if I am asked to spend ten years in jail, but I want people to know the truth,” he said.
Gowda too did not lag behind when his turn came up. Taking a dig at Yeddyurappa, he stated that those who swear by social reformer Basavanna’s name should reflect on their conduct.
Recalling the ideals of Basavanna, he said: “People are only worried about their own welfare and progress and not about the society. Materialism is becoming rampant. Parents only worry about the position their children are in and not about how they are using their position.”
“Everybody is becoming self-centered and selfish. They should introspect,” he said.
Chief minister Gowda concluded his speech by saying that all the problems that the state is currently facing will be solved if people inculcate the teachings of Basavanna in the real sense.
“Basavanna’s thoughts are universal. They teach us to live with love and harmony.”
Despite an air of awkwardness on the dais, the audience seemed to be enjoying the war of words.
While poet Chennaveea Kanavi was presented the Basavashree award, renowned playback singer, Kasturi Shankar was given the Vachana Sahityashree award.
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