M. Gautham MachaiahFormer Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda has brought shame to Karnataka politics which has always been characterised by a certain degree of dignity and restraint, by using intemperate and below the belt language against Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa.
Gowda who used expletives like bloody bastard (which he pronounced as bastar) and son of a bitch in full glare of the camera has to do some soul searching himself.
The former Prime Minister has been waging a relentless battle against Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE), which he accuses of grabbing the land of poor farmers with the connivance of the Chief Minister. Incidentally, it was Gowda who during his term as the Chief Minister had handed over the Bangalore-Mysore expressway project on a platter to NICE without as much as calling for tenders. Rightly so, Yeddyurappa describes the NICE project as Gowda’s illegitimate child.
If Gowda fathered the “illegitimate child”, successful governments nurtured it. The interest of farmers is just an alibi. With the real estate prices skyrocketing following the implementation of the road project, everybody now wants his pound of flesh.
Gowda, by his own description, a born fighter, has every right to take up a public cause, but one would expect a person who held the high office of the Prime Minister to exhibit some decorum, at least in public. Gowda’s remarks are despicable, undignified and unbecoming of a senior politician. He owes an unqualified apology not just to Yeddyurappa but to the people of State for sullying their image by using such unpardonable language.
The former Prime Minister’s outburst might be the result of his frustration, but he would do well to mind his language in the future. Let us not bring gutter politics to Karnataka.
With politicians indulging in mindless mudslinging, the real issue—the NICE project—might get sidetracked. The only way to put an end to the controversy is to order an independent inquiry into all aspects concerning the project, right from according sanction to the allotment of land.
Who knows, an inquiry might reveal a not-so-NICE-story.
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COMMENTS
The Machiavellian Gowda will have no compunction whatsoever, in denigrating the august office of Prime Minister which he once occupied, though briefly. This act of his has exposed the abyss in Indian politics, not just Karnataka politics. This further reinforces that only personal greed is the motivation behind politicians under the garb of socialist ideals.
The Machiavellian Gowda will have no compunction whatsoever, in denigrating the august office of Prime Minister which he once occupied, though briefly. This act of his has exposed the abyss in Indian politics, not just Karnataka politics. This further reinforces that only personal greed is the motivation behind politicians under the garb of socialist ideals.
-Mahesh M, Bangalore
What Deve Gowda said in public is actually an insult to the common man of Karnataka. He insulted not only an individual; he insulted Karnataka`s Chief Minister. SHAME ON DEVE GOWDA
-B.U. Machaiah, Wayanad
Haradanalli Doddegowda Deve Gowda’s latest outbursts are not a matter of surprise to all those who have observing him for long. Had the existing Bangalore-Mysore highway been widened into a six lane carriageway, there would have been no need for the NICE project. In addition, to the existing road which passes through Mandya, motorists can also reach Mysore through Kanakapura. If both these roads are developed, we need not even think of the NICE road.
Gowda might have raised the banner of revolt against NICE promoter Ashok Kheny, but the moot question is: “Who brought these land sharks to Bangalore?” Kheny and the NICE muddle are Gowda’s creation.
Gowda is an opportunistic politician who cannot be trusted. Drama is his brand of politics. As an MP, he led a delegation demanding that the headquarters of South Western Railways be set up in Hubli, but after becoming the Prime Minister he set up the headquarters at Bangalore.
Many years ago, he led a padayatra to Nagamangala, demanding the arrest of Congress MLA Shivaramegowda for his alleged role in the murder of journalist Kanchanahalli Gangadharamurthy. Within a few days, the murder accused joined Gowda's party and what happened later is history.
Disgusted with Gowda’s petty politics all his loyalists deserted him. They include G. Puttaswamy Gowda, B.L.Shankar, D.B.Chandregowda, C.Byre Gowda, K.N.Nage Gowda andY.K.Ramaiah
.People who know Gowda are not surprised by his shameless reaction to the NICE controversy.
-Manohar Yadawatti, Editor, 'Nation Age', Bangalore
Why are the so-called intellectuals not reacting? Is there no end to the Gowda menace? If he is allowed to go scot free, it will be a shame on responsible leaders of the State.
What Deve Gowda said in public is actually an insult to the common man of Karnataka. He insulted not only an individual; he insulted Karnataka`s Chief Minister. SHAME ON DEVE GOWDA
-B.U. Machaiah, Wayanad
Haradanalli Doddegowda Deve Gowda’s latest outbursts are not a matter of surprise to all those who have observing him for long. Had the existing Bangalore-Mysore highway been widened into a six lane carriageway, there would have been no need for the NICE project. In addition, to the existing road which passes through Mandya, motorists can also reach Mysore through Kanakapura. If both these roads are developed, we need not even think of the NICE road.
Gowda might have raised the banner of revolt against NICE promoter Ashok Kheny, but the moot question is: “Who brought these land sharks to Bangalore?” Kheny and the NICE muddle are Gowda’s creation.
Gowda is an opportunistic politician who cannot be trusted. Drama is his brand of politics. As an MP, he led a delegation demanding that the headquarters of South Western Railways be set up in Hubli, but after becoming the Prime Minister he set up the headquarters at Bangalore.
Many years ago, he led a padayatra to Nagamangala, demanding the arrest of Congress MLA Shivaramegowda for his alleged role in the murder of journalist Kanchanahalli Gangadharamurthy. Within a few days, the murder accused joined Gowda's party and what happened later is history.
Disgusted with Gowda’s petty politics all his loyalists deserted him. They include G. Puttaswamy Gowda, B.L.Shankar, D.B.Chandregowda, C.Byre Gowda, K.N.Nage Gowda andY.K.Ramaiah
.People who know Gowda are not surprised by his shameless reaction to the NICE controversy.
-Manohar Yadawatti, Editor, 'Nation Age', Bangalore
Why are the so-called intellectuals not reacting? Is there no end to the Gowda menace? If he is allowed to go scot free, it will be a shame on responsible leaders of the State.
-Jayakumar Gurupad, Bangalore
Where were you when Janardhan Reddy abused H.D. Kumaraswamy when he was the Chief Minister? Where were you guys when B.N. Bacche Gowda held an exclusive press conference to abuse the Deve Gowda family?
I regret the words used by Deve Gowda, but at the same time, I and also surprised that the people who are hurt by his words are not bothered about the poor farmers who lost their lands due to the NICE project. Yeddiyurappa seems to have leased out North Karnataka to the Reddy brothers and the South to Ashok Kheny.
Where were you when Janardhan Reddy abused H.D. Kumaraswamy when he was the Chief Minister? Where were you guys when B.N. Bacche Gowda held an exclusive press conference to abuse the Deve Gowda family?
I regret the words used by Deve Gowda, but at the same time, I and also surprised that the people who are hurt by his words are not bothered about the poor farmers who lost their lands due to the NICE project. Yeddiyurappa seems to have leased out North Karnataka to the Reddy brothers and the South to Ashok Kheny.
-H.D. Vinayraj Gowda, Janata Dal (Secular), Hassan
This article was also posted on MSN. Some of the responses are reproduced below:
Well, our former Prime Minister should not have used such language. But most people do not understand the facts behind the NICE scam. Yes, agreed it was Gowda who handed over the project to NICE and there is no doubt that there have been several irregularities from inception to this day.
Lands which are not part of the NICE road were acquired with the help of corrupt KIADB officials in the subsequent governments. They colluded with NICE and acquired prime land from innocent farmers. We have been turning a blind eye to the large scale irregularities which have been taking place from 1994. To whom can we complain when the fence itself is grazing the field.
All the succeeding governments, ministers and the entire KIADB are part of this mega scam which is much bigger than the Satyam fraud. We are further hurt by Chief Minister Yeddyurappa’s statement that the protestors are not real farmers. I request the Chief Minister to refer to the revenue documents of these lands from 1925 to date and cross check the names of protesting farmers.
The truth which most urban Bangaloreans are failing to understand is that we farmers are not opposing the construction of NICE road. We are opposing the extra lands acquired illegally and at dirt cheap rate. The government has paid only Rs 10 lakh to Rs 12 lakh per acre of land. With this money, the farmer who sacrificed his land is not even in a position to buy a small residential plot.
We sincerely request our beloved Chief Minister and other politicians to help the poor farmers recover from the scam rather than wasting valuable time on criticising each other. Ultimately, it is the common man who is going to suffer. We also request the Chief Minister to personally spare some time and study the original project plan (frame work agreement) that was signed in 1995 and the current status of project execution. The present Government should not forget the promises made to the people.
-Sreenivas, Bangalore
By using such filthy language, Gowda has exposed himself. We now know what sort of a politician he is, the former Prime Minister tag notwithstanding. Media hype made him bigger than what he actually is. India does not need such brand of politicians; it is high time he is thrown into the dustbin of history, never to come back into media attention.
-Krishnamurthy Ramamurthy, Toronto
I do know why so much attention is being paid to an old and senile man who became the Prime Minister due to circumstances.
-Ramnik S.Mamik, New Delhi
Gowda might have used these words out of anger. Anyway, such words are always used behind the scenes. But Gowda has used them openly. Instead of attaching too much of significance to his words, we need to focus on NICE, which has fed politicians from time to time. It is better to handover the issue to the CBI.
-Akshay, Pune
This article was also posted on MSN. Some of the responses are reproduced below:
Well, our former Prime Minister should not have used such language. But most people do not understand the facts behind the NICE scam. Yes, agreed it was Gowda who handed over the project to NICE and there is no doubt that there have been several irregularities from inception to this day.
Lands which are not part of the NICE road were acquired with the help of corrupt KIADB officials in the subsequent governments. They colluded with NICE and acquired prime land from innocent farmers. We have been turning a blind eye to the large scale irregularities which have been taking place from 1994. To whom can we complain when the fence itself is grazing the field.
All the succeeding governments, ministers and the entire KIADB are part of this mega scam which is much bigger than the Satyam fraud. We are further hurt by Chief Minister Yeddyurappa’s statement that the protestors are not real farmers. I request the Chief Minister to refer to the revenue documents of these lands from 1925 to date and cross check the names of protesting farmers.
The truth which most urban Bangaloreans are failing to understand is that we farmers are not opposing the construction of NICE road. We are opposing the extra lands acquired illegally and at dirt cheap rate. The government has paid only Rs 10 lakh to Rs 12 lakh per acre of land. With this money, the farmer who sacrificed his land is not even in a position to buy a small residential plot.
We sincerely request our beloved Chief Minister and other politicians to help the poor farmers recover from the scam rather than wasting valuable time on criticising each other. Ultimately, it is the common man who is going to suffer. We also request the Chief Minister to personally spare some time and study the original project plan (frame work agreement) that was signed in 1995 and the current status of project execution. The present Government should not forget the promises made to the people.
-Sreenivas, Bangalore
By using such filthy language, Gowda has exposed himself. We now know what sort of a politician he is, the former Prime Minister tag notwithstanding. Media hype made him bigger than what he actually is. India does not need such brand of politicians; it is high time he is thrown into the dustbin of history, never to come back into media attention.
-Krishnamurthy Ramamurthy, Toronto
I do know why so much attention is being paid to an old and senile man who became the Prime Minister due to circumstances.
-Ramnik S.Mamik, New Delhi
Gowda might have used these words out of anger. Anyway, such words are always used behind the scenes. But Gowda has used them openly. Instead of attaching too much of significance to his words, we need to focus on NICE, which has fed politicians from time to time. It is better to handover the issue to the CBI.
-Akshay, Pune
The good or bad that you do, come back to you, not necessarily from the same person. The vile language that the BJP uses against the Muslims, Sonia Gandhi and others is coming back to it from Deve Gowda. We can only wish that such a thing should not have happened; but man proposes and God disposes.
-Chandrasekar, Dubai
Gowda is a frustrated politician, who has no work to do. He has proved his critics right—that he was no Prime Ministerial material and occupied the chair by sheer accident.
-B.Vinay Kumar, Secunderabad
Gowda is frustrated because he is not in power. He wants to control the affairs of the State like he did in the past. I would request Gowda to retire from active politics in the interest of the people of Karnataka.
-Mahendra, Bangalore
These days, every political party has stooped to such a level in Karnataka, that the public is disgusted and dejected, with these unworthy politicians. Even at the national level things are no better. It is needless to say that the present gloomy situation of unrest, chaos, instability, price rise, security risks, regionalism and casteism is the end result of the selfish, greedy, power hungry politicians who have the least respect for the welfare of the common people.
It is the opinion of crores of right thinking people that a political party which was at the helm of affairs of this great country for more than 50 years, which boasts that it has liberated our beloved motherland from the cruel clutches of the British rulers, which was supposed to be dissolved soon after the declaration of free nation, as per the advise of the Mahatma, but enjoyed power and position by not heeding to his advise, is the root cause for all the ills of this country.
Mahatma’s physical body might have been hit by a bullet , but his soul, the simplicity, integrity, service, sacrifice, the ideals he stood for, have been destroyed by these unworthy politicians and in that respect they are the real killers.
Psychophancy is the order of the day and it is leading to the dynastic rule. It is disgusting to note that, corruption at high places, psuedo-secularism, appeasement of so-called minorities, emergency excesses, plight of Kashmiri-pandits, anti-Sikh riots, division of the country, are some of endless list of unscrupulous ways taken by this party to somehow retain power.
Let us look at another rightist national party, which pats itself on the back by proclaiming that it is a disciplined party, a party with a difference and cadre-based. It also suffers from infighting, disunity and blackmailing. Karnataka is a case in point. The people gave this party a chance hoping it would govern them efficiently, deliver goods and restore Karnataka’s past glory. The same people are now regretting their decision as the party has shattered their dreams and hopes by not caring for the common man.
The people have understood that this party is inefficient, inexperienced and is only fit to sit in the opposition. It is going to be difficult for the party to get elected in the near future.
If party politics is bad, Independents who have turned out to be fence-sitters waiting to grab power are worse. So who do we choose? Only God should save India!
-Subbaraman, Bangalore
Yeddyurappa's politics might be irritating to many in the country and I can understand the frustration of Gowda, but I cannot appreciate his language. The former Prime Minister has brought shame to the Indian political culture and pushed it to a new low. It was an outburst of shame for him, for his State, for his profession and for the whole country.
-Naim Naqvi, Mumbai
It is the most uncivilized behaviour. Whether Gowda has uttered those expletives against Yeddyurappa or the Advocate General or somebody else, it is highly indecent and the entire nation should bow its head in shame for having had him as the Prime Minister for some time. He has lost all regard of the common man.
-K.S. Karnic, Bangalore
Hurling such abuses has become common for politicians. Recently, Karnataka Tourism Minister Janardhana Reddy used indecent language against former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Chandrababu Naidu. This will go on. But somebody should come to the rescue of poor farmers who are being exploited by government itself with the joint support of private organisations like NICE and many land developers in and around Bangalore.
-G.C. Muniraju, Bangalore
Excellent advice to the grand old man, our former Prime Minister (by default). He is still defending his action, despite the fact that his son has also indirectly condemned it with the alibi, “He is agitated because of the grievances of farmers”. If he is agitated, does he use such foul language at home also? It is bad culturally, socially, ethically, and politically.
-Arjoo, currently on a short visit to Australia
Very well written. You have hit the nail on the head. As a punishment Gowda should be asked to write 1,000 times “I will not use gutter language in future” (In my school days an errant student was punished in this manner by the teacher) and displayed on public hoardings for all to see. Nonetheless, as the article points out, the BMIC muddle calls for an inquiry.
-Basant, Mumbai
-Chandrasekar, Dubai
Gowda is a frustrated politician, who has no work to do. He has proved his critics right—that he was no Prime Ministerial material and occupied the chair by sheer accident.
-B.Vinay Kumar, Secunderabad
Gowda is frustrated because he is not in power. He wants to control the affairs of the State like he did in the past. I would request Gowda to retire from active politics in the interest of the people of Karnataka.
-Mahendra, Bangalore
These days, every political party has stooped to such a level in Karnataka, that the public is disgusted and dejected, with these unworthy politicians. Even at the national level things are no better. It is needless to say that the present gloomy situation of unrest, chaos, instability, price rise, security risks, regionalism and casteism is the end result of the selfish, greedy, power hungry politicians who have the least respect for the welfare of the common people.
It is the opinion of crores of right thinking people that a political party which was at the helm of affairs of this great country for more than 50 years, which boasts that it has liberated our beloved motherland from the cruel clutches of the British rulers, which was supposed to be dissolved soon after the declaration of free nation, as per the advise of the Mahatma, but enjoyed power and position by not heeding to his advise, is the root cause for all the ills of this country.
Mahatma’s physical body might have been hit by a bullet , but his soul, the simplicity, integrity, service, sacrifice, the ideals he stood for, have been destroyed by these unworthy politicians and in that respect they are the real killers.
Psychophancy is the order of the day and it is leading to the dynastic rule. It is disgusting to note that, corruption at high places, psuedo-secularism, appeasement of so-called minorities, emergency excesses, plight of Kashmiri-pandits, anti-Sikh riots, division of the country, are some of endless list of unscrupulous ways taken by this party to somehow retain power.
Let us look at another rightist national party, which pats itself on the back by proclaiming that it is a disciplined party, a party with a difference and cadre-based. It also suffers from infighting, disunity and blackmailing. Karnataka is a case in point. The people gave this party a chance hoping it would govern them efficiently, deliver goods and restore Karnataka’s past glory. The same people are now regretting their decision as the party has shattered their dreams and hopes by not caring for the common man.
The people have understood that this party is inefficient, inexperienced and is only fit to sit in the opposition. It is going to be difficult for the party to get elected in the near future.
If party politics is bad, Independents who have turned out to be fence-sitters waiting to grab power are worse. So who do we choose? Only God should save India!
-Subbaraman, Bangalore
Yeddyurappa's politics might be irritating to many in the country and I can understand the frustration of Gowda, but I cannot appreciate his language. The former Prime Minister has brought shame to the Indian political culture and pushed it to a new low. It was an outburst of shame for him, for his State, for his profession and for the whole country.
-Naim Naqvi, Mumbai
It is the most uncivilized behaviour. Whether Gowda has uttered those expletives against Yeddyurappa or the Advocate General or somebody else, it is highly indecent and the entire nation should bow its head in shame for having had him as the Prime Minister for some time. He has lost all regard of the common man.
-K.S. Karnic, Bangalore
Hurling such abuses has become common for politicians. Recently, Karnataka Tourism Minister Janardhana Reddy used indecent language against former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Chandrababu Naidu. This will go on. But somebody should come to the rescue of poor farmers who are being exploited by government itself with the joint support of private organisations like NICE and many land developers in and around Bangalore.
-G.C. Muniraju, Bangalore
Excellent advice to the grand old man, our former Prime Minister (by default). He is still defending his action, despite the fact that his son has also indirectly condemned it with the alibi, “He is agitated because of the grievances of farmers”. If he is agitated, does he use such foul language at home also? It is bad culturally, socially, ethically, and politically.
-Arjoo, currently on a short visit to Australia
Very well written. You have hit the nail on the head. As a punishment Gowda should be asked to write 1,000 times “I will not use gutter language in future” (In my school days an errant student was punished in this manner by the teacher) and displayed on public hoardings for all to see. Nonetheless, as the article points out, the BMIC muddle calls for an inquiry.
-Basant, Mumbai
3 comments:
The Machiavellian Gowda will have no compunction whatsoever, in denigrating the august office of PM which he once occupied, though briefly.There is no gainsaying the fact that this act of his has exposed the abyss in Indian politics and not just Karnataka politics.This further reinforces that only personal greed is the motivation behind politicians under the garb of socialist ideals .
Its bad on the part of the ex-PM to utter words like this.... but where are all the 'so called conscious journalists' when Mr.Reddy Brothers are looting karnataka??? Mr.Gowda's words/language may not effect our state, but with Reddy Brothers actions, doomsday is slowly caving in for us... The entire environment of the state is going to dogs & NOBODY HAS THE GUTS TO RAISE THEIR VOICE AGAINST THIS!!!! Pretty sad....
really it's good , what ever gowda said we are all should acept it, why because every day we are watching on tv basted yeddy doing very bad politics in karnataka as a citizen of karnataka we are should appreciate mr gowda
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