Bangalore: Describing him as his "political
guru", a tearful Karnataka Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda
today paid rich tributes to Higher Education Minister V S
Acharya who passed away on Tuesday.
Overcome with emotions and fighting back tears, Gowda
termed the 71-year-old Acharya as a statesman, a man of
integrity and a party loyalist.
"He did not had a single black-mark in politics", said the
Chief Minister, his voice chocking. "He was duty-conscious
till the last minute".
"He is my political guru", Gowda said, adding, Acharya's
guidance was responsible for his rise in politics and
elevating him to this position (Chief Ministership) today.
The Chief Minister was so emotional after paying his last
respects to Acharya in hospital that he remarked: "He is no
more with us today. But somehow, he (Acharya) will continue to
guide us....I don't know in which form or through
whom....otherwise politics in Karnataka will not emerge in a
good way".
Gowda who is preparing to present his first ever budget
next month, recalled that Acharya had promised him to help in
drafting a "good budget" devoting at least ten days time for
the exercise.
Gowda hailed Acharya, who also held the portfolios of
Planning and Statistics, Muzrai and Information Technology and
Biotechnology, for his in-depth knowledge of various issues
and topics.
Acharya collapsed while attending a seminar, organised by
the Karnataka State Government College Principals Forum, and
rushed to a private hospital.
He was keeping indifferent health in recent times.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, February 14, 2012, 17:01