Colleagues recall the wit and wisdom of Patel

BJP, Oppn declare ceasefire at event to release book on former CM

The occasion was the release of the book, Apratima Patel, authored by journalist K N Reddy on Patel’s inimitable political career.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Yeddyurappa recalled an instance of the former chief minister’s sense of humour. A group of ‘jagadgurus’ (pontiffs of various religious institutions) gave Patel suggestions regarding various problems facing the State.
Replying to them, Patel said if all the seers stood united and decided to choose one of them as ‘jagadguru,’ many problems would be solved.

Joyous attitude

Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Motamma, recalling Patel’s jovial attitude, said Yeddyurappa should learn from Patel how to remain cool, irrespective of political developments.

Council chairman, D H Shankaramurthy, said, when he - as member of the Opposition - complained to then chief minister Patel that he could not drive a car on the road connecting Shimoga to Birur, his response was: “Why do you take a car on that road. Better ride a horse”.

JD(U) national president Sharad Yadav said Patel was a close associate in his political career, as both were socialists and followers of Ram Manohar Lohia.

During the election to the post of national president of Janata Dal in the late 1990s, Patel stood by him. With Patel’s support he could get a majority of the votes against his opponent Lalu Prasad Yadav, Yadav said. “Patel supported me because both of us are Lohiaites and committed to socialism,” he said. Patel was the first Kannadiga to speak in Kannada in parliament.

His Kannada speech in parliament was significant, because since then, the members were allowed to speak in their regional languages, Yadav recalled.

A couple of people among the audience raised objections to critic Prof Chandrashekhar Patil, when he referred to scams that Chief Minister Yeddyurappa was facing. They demanded that Patil should restrict his speech to J H Patel.