<p>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.</p><p>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. </p><p>"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. </p><p>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."</p><p>Notable leaders including Chitradurga former MP Kodandaramaiah, then district Congress president Shafi Ahmed, S P Muddahanumegwoda and MLA T B Jayachandra were present. </p><p>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. </p>
<p>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.</p><p>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. </p><p>"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. </p><p>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."</p><p>Notable leaders including Chitradurga former MP Kodandaramaiah, then district Congress president Shafi Ahmed, S P Muddahanumegwoda and MLA T B Jayachandra were present. </p><p>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. </p>
