CM breaks down

The ever-smiling Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda on Tuesday  broke down on hearing the news of V S Acharya’s demise.

The chief minister got the news about the demise of Acharya while he was interacting with the media in Vidhana Soudha. A stunned Gowda remained in a state of shock for a few seconds and then said: “Acharya is no more with us.”

He cried unabashedly after paying a visit to the hospital, where Acharya was declared dead, and choked on his words while trying to express his loss.

Gowda, who called Acharya his ‘political guru’, said he was “anxious about the future”.

“When I entered politics in 1969-70, I was a novice. His support and guidance has made me what I am today.” He also said that Acharya had assured to help in preparing the State budget. “I had asked him to rest for a week, and then help in preparing the budget for the coming fiscal. He had assured me that he will help prepare the budget in 10 days. I don’t know how he will give me that time now…,” said Gowda.