A chip of the old block

The JD (S) senior leaders, who know H D Deve Gowda well, say that H D Kumaraswamy is a softer version of his father.

This observation is really apt if you go by the mannerisms and body language of Gowda jr. But the difference between the father and the son is that while the former does not take questions from the media, the latter gives no room for the media to ask questions because by the time he completes his marathon press conference the media will not have patience to shoot ask him anything.

Last Friday, Kumaraswamy was at full throttle when he addressed the media at the party office in Bangalore. He attacked the BJP and the Congress for an hour. He added that JD(S) was united and neither he nor his father were responsible for the failure of transfer of power to the BJP. He also insisted that there were no differences between him and his brother H D Revanna.

After the press briefing party spokesperson YSV Datta, who was also present, received a call from Gowda sr. Daddy was impressed with his son’s excellent performance at the  press conference and wanted to congratulate him.

Does anyone still have doubts if the Gowda duo are on the same track?

Satish Shile

BJP workers’ premonition

During the political uncertainty in the state, just about the only thing one was sure of was the crowd at BJP leader B S Yediyurappa’s official residence at Race Course Road.

It was at Yediyurappa’s residence that all the major political discussions of the party took place. Be it the legislature party meeting, or the session where all BJP ministers decided to resign enmass.

The scenes made one recall the days when the JD(S)-BJP coalition had materialised twenty months back.  Even then his residence was abuzz with activity with the party workers looking forward for his swearing in as deputy chief minister.

However, this time when the BJP leader was slated to be sworn in as CM, the enthusiasm was lacking. Despite all the confidence expressed by Yediyurappa about transfer of power, it looked as if the workers had a premonition of what would happen.

Vijesh Kamath

When the corridors of power fell silent

With Governor Rameshwar Thakur taking over the State’s reins,  Vidhana Soudha is in for a new model of administration. The Governor’s office, at least in the initial days, looks a welcome departure from the rush-and-ramble routine in the Soudha’s corridors.

To start with, there aren’t many throwing their weight around and flaunting their clout with the ministers and officials.

However, with the Governor announcing a meet-the-people programme thrice a week, the line of petitioners is set to be long-winding. And when there are complaints, can clamour be far behind? Watch this space.

R Krishnakumar

It’s all about the footwear

JD(S) leader H D Revanna is a workaholic. He works through the day and travels all the time. It looks he enjoys wearing hawai chappals, which are usually used in bathroom. On last Friday, he was spotted at JD (S) senior leader M P Prakash’s residence.

After the closed-door meeting, Revanna when stepped out of the room, was seen wearing a pair of worn out hawai slippers. A party worker, who was waiting to talk to Prakash, innocently commented, “He is actually wearing Hawai chappli...”.  Another party worker quipped, “Yes.. Revanna Sir keeps going to temples. So, he prefers wearing  these sandals....”. Why not people understand Revanna is the true son of our Mannina Maga!

Asha K