Bengaluru: Many hoped to see former prime minister HD Devegowda receive the Maharishi Valmiki award from his son and CM Kumaraswamy on Wednesday. Unfortunately, the same could not be realised as both HDD and the CM skipped the event.
While Gowda had informed the government that he will not be able to attend the event as he will start his journey to London on Wednesday morning, the CM cancelled his plan owing to ill health.
He complained of stomach disorder, fatigue and dizziness and was rushed to Jayadeva hospital on Wednesday. He has reportedly been suggested a day’s rest, while his health is said to be fine now.
It is said that HDD however made a quick stop at Vidhana Soudha to offer his respects to the Valmiki statue inside the secretariat premise.
Activists remove the photos of CM, DCM
The Valmiki Jayanti event organised by the state government at the Vidhana Soudha also stoked a controversy when the activists removed the photographs of the CM and DCM G Parameshwar. The absence of the CM and the DCM from the main event organised at the Vidhana Soudha resulted in activists holding a flash protest. They forced the social welfare department to remove the photos of both the leaders from the stage.
As per the government order, Valmiki Jayanti was celebrated across the state on Wednesday. The main event was organised at the Vidhana Soudha in which DCM Dr G Parameshwar too was supposed to attend.
But absence of three important people left the activists disappointed. As the news spread, the activists started flash protest forcing the social welfare department officers to remove their photos from the stage. When it was announced that former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda will not receive award another round of protest started. Few people started arguement with the social welfare minister Priyanka Kharge. Pontiffs of the community also expressed their displeasure over the absence of leaders.
With the election around the corner, the BJP is set to use the opportunity to consolidate its base among the community voters who are in a large number across the state, it is said.
