A file photo former external affairs minister Late S M Krishna, Adichunchanagiri Mutt seer Late Balagangadharanatha swamiji, B B Ramaswami Gowda and others at the silver jubilee celebration of anointment of Late Balagangadharanatha swamiji at Hemagiri Betta in Kunigal taluk.
Credit: DH Photo
Kunigal: Hemagiri Betta in Kunigal taluk has a special place in former external affairs minister S M Krishna's political journey. It was here the former chief minister Krishna was openly invited by Adichunchanagiri seer Late Balagangadharanatha Swamiji to the State politics. In a way, the Hemagiri Betta wrote a prelude to Krishna's political career in State.
Reminiscing the event, former MLA B B Ramaswami Gowda said that in 1999 January, S M Krishna had attended the silver jubilee celebration of Balgangadharnatha swamiji's anointment at Hemagiri Betta in the taluk. The event was organised by Taluk Vokkaligara Sangha.
"During that period, S M Krishna was active in national politics. He was then Rajya Sabha member. However, he was advised by the Swamiji to return to State politics," recalled Ramaswami Gowda.
He further said that, during his public address, Late Balagangadharanatha seer invited Krishna to State politics. Quoting the Later seer, Gowda said "People in the State have high expectation from S m Krishna. Even State's Vokkaligas too need a Vokkaliga leader. Krishna who has both leadership quality and eligibility, need to consider returning to State politics."
Notable leaders including Chitradurga former MP Kodandaramaiah, then district Congress president Shafi Ahmed, S P Muddahanumegwoda and MLA T B Jayachandra were present.
Interestingly, three days after the event, Krishna took charge as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president and rest is history on how he strengthened the party and became a chief minister, later, recalled Ramaswami Gowda.