“Acharya was god for the BJP”, Gowda breaks down while paying tribute

naeem@coastaldigest.com (CD Network)
February 14, 2012

cm2


Mangalore, February 14: Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda broke down while paying tributes to Higher Education Minister Dr. V.S. Acharya, who died in Bangalore on Tuesday after collapsing during a public meeting.

Mr Gowda termed Acharya as a scholarly personality and he was the other name for good conduct in politics. “Acharya did not have single blot in his entire life. He would make an in-depth study before speaking on any subject. He is the only politician who remained committed to the principles and ideology of the party,” Mr. Gowda said after paying his respects to the departed leader at the Race Course Road residence.

Saluting his sense of duty, Mr. Gowda said: “For him work was worship. He was driven by the sense of duty even until the last moments of his life. We have never seen such a commitment from anyone. Nor we can see such an example in future.”

Describing him as his political mentor (rajakiya guru), Mr. Gowda said, he had benefitted immensely from the guidance of Dr. Acharya in the early 70s. “I was just a student then. But we used to get guidance from him every now and then. It was the guidance and the encouragement that he provided which took me to this position today,” Mr. Gowda said.

“He had been guiding me for over four decades. He had been preparing the manifesto of the BJP since 80s. He was infact the god for the party. He was a wonderful guide. We need his guidance in the future as well. I still believe that he will keep guiding us,” Mr. Gowda said with an emotional voice.

Hailing his contribution in running the affairs of the administration the chief minister said: “I had asked him to take rest for a week and spend a week's time with me while preparing the Budget. He had agreed and said that he was ready to give me 10 days. But, he has left us suddenly leaving us in utter shock. Who is there to guide me now? It's the biggest loss for me” Mr. Gowda said before breaking down in front of the cameras.

Meanwhile, speaking in New Delhi, BJP patriarch L.K. Advani recalled the contribution of Acharya to the growth of the party in Karnataka and said he had always felt proud of the departed leader's performance.

“Acharya played an important role in making Udupi a fortress of the BJP,” Mr. Advani told reporters reacting to the death of the BJP leader.

“Udupi was among the first municipalities our party captured in the southern states. Dr. Acharya as the chairman made sure the municipality won the accolades for being best-administered local body by the successive state governments. We always felt very proud of his achievements,” Mr. Advani said.

He also recalled his meeting with the departed leader when his Jan Chetana Yatra reached Udupi. “He was with me throughout during my visit to Udupi. The public meeting at Udupi was the biggest gathering ever I had addressed in the temple town. I also shared my feelings with Acharya,” Mr. Advani said.

cm1



Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
April 7,2025

nitin.jpg

Mangaluru, Apr 7: In a chilling and heart-wrenching turn of events from Nadugallu in Nalakuru village of Sullia taluk in Dakshina Kannada, a mother and son’s desperate act to end their lives has left a community in disbelief. The duo allegedly consumed rodent poison in a joint suicide attempt, resulting in the son’s death and leaving the mother in a critical condition.

The deceased has been identified as 32-year-old Nithin, son of Kushalappa Gowda of Derappajjanamane, Nalakuru. His mother, Sulochana, is currently battling for her life in a hospital. According to sources, the incident took place three days ago, with both victims falling severely ill by the morning of April 6.

Nithin, an ITI diploma holder, had been managing his family's agricultural land. He had married Deeksha, a guest lecturer at a local college, about a year ago. At the time of the tragic incident, Deeksha was reportedly staying at her parental home. During her absence, Nithin and Sulochana allegedly consumed poison in what is believed to be a premeditated act.

Well-known in the village for his kind demeanor and strong social ties, Nithin’s untimely death has cast a shadow of grief and shock across the local community. His father, Kushalappa Gowda, is also said to be ailing.

The Subrahmanya police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to uncover the circumstances leading to this devastating event.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
April 7,2025

Mangaluru, Apr 7: A price storm is brewing in Mangaluru’s hotel and restaurant industry. Faced with skyrocketing raw material costs and mounting overheads, hoteliers are preparing to hike food prices by up to 10% within a month — a move that could hit the pockets of thousands of diners across Dakshina Kannada.

From milk and oil to LPG and staples like rice and toor dal, prices have surged, pushing both vegetarian and non-vegetarian establishments to the brink. Over 65% of hotels operate in rented spaces, and labour shortages are adding fuel to the fire.

Swarna Sunder of Dinki Dine says running a hotel without burdening customers is becoming near-impossible. “Costs are rising daily. We’re trying to strike a balance, but a hike is inevitable,” he said, calling Mangaluru a highly price-sensitive market.

Industry leaders, including the Dakshina Kannada Hotel Owners Association, are expected to meet soon to formalize the revision.

Meanwhile, hoteliers blame "unhealthy competition" for further disrupting the sector. “Some serve unlimited fish meals under ₹60 — it’s unsustainable and unfair,” said a hotelier, adding that such practices are forcing smaller eateries to shut shop.

Chandrahas Shetty, president of the district association, confirmed that rising input costs have left them with little choice but to revise menus.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
Agencies
March 28,2025

Udupi: Deputy Commissioner K. Vidya Kumari has directed officials to expedite land acquisition for designated industrial zones in the district to facilitate new industries. She issued these instructions during a meeting at Rajatadri on Wednesday.

Lands have been identified across various taluks for industrial development. The DC emphasized that KIADB must acquire these lands and ensure essential infrastructure—electricity, roads, and drainage—to attract industries and generate employment.

A total of 77 acres of private land has been acquired and compensated, including 31.2 acres in Kerebettu village, Hebri taluk, and 45.7 acres in Shivapura village. However, approval for 36.5 acres of government land is still pending. She instructed the forest department to assess whether this land falls under an eco-sensitive zone.

For the Belapu Industrial Area, the DC urged officials to accelerate minor land acquisitions for road expansion and commence construction at the earliest. She also mandated rainwater harvesting systems for all units in the Miyaru Industrial Area to tackle water scarcity.

Currently, 22 export-based units operate in the district. The DC encouraged further promotion of exports and an increase in their number.

The meeting was attended by Joint Director of Industries Nagraj V. Naik, KIADB Development Officer Srinivasa Murthy, Small-Scale Industries Association District President Harish Kunder, Deputy Director of the District Industrial Center Seetharam Shetty, District Skill Development Officer Arun B., and others.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.