He shared a love-hate relationship with Kagodu
Former minister Kagodu Thimmappa was overcome with grief when he reminisced about his more than five decades association with Bangarappa.
He remembered his friend since their college days.
In a way, it was a love-hate relationship between the two. While they were long-time friends, they also locked horns politically.
“We are friends since 1956. Bangarappa was part of our group of five law students in Shimoga,” he said, recalling his association with the late leader.
Friendship hit
Thimmappa was with Bangarappa when the latter contested the elections in 1967 and 1972 from the Socialist Party. “Our friendship suffered a setback when he quit the Socialist Party,” said Thimmappa.
“Many leaders suggested that we remain friends, even if we are in different parties. Leaders of the Bangalore Ediga Samaja had said that the two of us should join the Congress party together. But since the Socialist Party workers did not agree to this, it did not materialise,” recalled Thimmappa.
In 1979, when Thimmappa joined the Congress, Bangarappa was the KPCC President. Due to differences of opinion with Gundu Rao, Bangarappa launched the Karnataka Krantiranga in 1983.
“He would always do what he thought was right and was not a person who would heed the advice of others,” added Thimmappa.
