Paper boy-turned-politician who humbled mighty Eshwarappa


Paper boy-turned-politician who humbled mighty Eshwarappa

Daijiworld Media Network – Shimoga (SP)

Shimoga, May 10: A boy, who had no political ambitions when young, and who used to earn something by distributing daily newspapers at the doorsteps of his customers, has made headlines in the same newspapers now. His achievement of humbling political stalwart and deputy chief minister of the state, K S Eshwarappa, has compelled people to sit up and take notice.

K S Eshwarappa had won four assembly elections from Shimoga city constituency, apart from being MLC. He took pride in claiming to have built the fortunes of BJP in the state in association with B S Yeddyurappa. Eshwarappa’s dream of registering fifth victory from the constituency has been dashed because of a relative newcomer, K B Prasanna Kumar, who not only drubbed Eshwarappa into the oblivion, but also pushed him to the third spot.

Prasanna Kumar, who came from a family which did not have any political connection, learnt to be self reliant during his school days. He bagged the job of delivering newspapers to houses to earn something for paying his school fees and buying things he needed. Although he later joined ATNCC College, he could not complete his B Com degree, as his father passed away during this period. He had to undertake the family responsibility. He worked for a few years in a shop in Gandhi Bazaar here, before starting his own STD booth and fancy store. He then turned a contractor, and rose from being a fourth class PWD contractor to first class contractor. He also later got elected as president of the district PWD Contractors Association.

Under the tutelage of Bangarappa, Prasanna entered the political field through Congress in 1992. He worked in the youth Congress initially, and grew in stature because of hard and sincere work over the years. In recognition of his service, Congress gave him a chance to fight municipal election from Ashok Nagar ward in the city in 2006, which he won.

The people-friendly initiatives he undertook during this period made him popular. He was amenable to anyone from any of the other wards too, and left no stones unturned to solve their problems. In 2013 too he got elected as councillor from Ashok Nagar ward, although the ruling BJP, which had got scent that he was aspiring to become a MLA, tried its best to ruin his chances, even by adding some areas where BJP is strong, to his ward during reorganization. Still, it could not prevent Prasanna from becoming victorious in the recent assembly election.

No leaders of national stature came to Shimoga during the assembly election this year to canvass for Congress candidates. Even Siddaramaiah and union minister, Rahman Khan, who visited Bhadravati, did not take up canvassing in the city. Rahul Gandhi was scheduled to visit the city on May 1, but the programme got cancelled. Although many local Congress leaders too remained aloof, Prasanna Kumar rode on the waves of his past work, and got elected to the assembly by defeating senior BJP leader, K S Eshwarappa.

It is said that when Prasanna went from door to door in his initial election, many voters invited him inside, recollected the days when he distributed newspapers to their houses, and handed over small amounts to him for meeting election expenses. Perhaps because of the fact that he did not differentiate between people of different wards, and did his best to help everyone who approached him, he could earn a place in the hearts of the voters. Therefore, the people have not forgotten him, as evidenced by his victory.

  

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  • K.P.Sripal , shimoga

    Sat, Sep 07 2013

    well prasanna has won but one should not forget the man responsible for his victory, Shimoga advocate Vinod. He is the man who proved his guts to raise his voice against the most courrupt eshwarappa and filed case aginst him on corruption. It is because of this case and the subsequent raid on eshwarappas house and establishments, people realized the true face of the corrupt politician. It was the peoples decision to defeat eshwarappa rather than electing prasanna. prasanna should be thankful to the advocate.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jaimini P.B., Manipal,Sharjah

    Sat, May 11 2013

    Paper Boy knocked down Deputy CM who is badly injured ..This accident took place not at highway road but at Political Circle..! According to report Deputy CM has been advised to take rest for 5 years ! (not by doctors but by People ).

    DisAgree [1] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Harold D'cunha, Mangalore, India

    Sat, May 11 2013

    You are really a role model.
    Appreciate Congress party,for giving MLA candidate seat to contest election against Eswarapppa.
    Well done, congratulations and please work for your constituency. Best wishes are always with u.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • rathnakar. shetty., Thirthahalli/Bangalore

    Sat, May 11 2013

    Prasanna, It's your humbleness and hard work which is responsible for this glory,keep on the good work and be available to everyone listen to people be the same person you are wish you Best of luck.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • K. N. PRAKASH, MYSORE

    Sat, May 11 2013

    Very good article on Mr. Prasanna Kumar. Thanks for the writer. I congratulate Mr. Prasanna and all his well wishers in this moment. This is really a historic win.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • Tony, Mangalore/USA

    Sat, May 11 2013

    Truly fascinating...the election of Prasanna...the defeat of the paper tiger and all the heartfelt comments...the stars are well aligned for my good old home state of Karnataka!

    Thanks every one and than you Shivmoggaits!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • simple, Bangalore

    Sat, May 11 2013

    Prasheesh Kumar, S. Mumbai

    Try your luck to meet those rags to riches hotel boys etc now that they become Chairmen of MNCs.
    If you get a glimpse of them from far - thank your luck - also find out how many have become philanthropists after they discarded their rags and became rich (they need not be)
    Here it is about a person who has become rich through sheer hard work but has not forgotten his childhood days and the love he got from his neighbours. He has not forgotten his difficult days as he grew up and as per info here doing as much he can to alleviate suffering of less fortunate people.
    It is very commendable.
    I like to read about such people and pray for their good health.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • simple, Bangalore

    Sat, May 11 2013

    Prasheesh Kumar, S. Mumbai

    Try your luck to meet those rags to riches hotel boys etc now that they become Chairmen of MNCs.
    If you get a glimpse of them from far - thank your luck - also find out how many have become philanthropists after they discarded their rags and became rich (they need not be)
    Here it is about a person who has become rich through sheer hard work but has not forgotten his childhood days and the love he got from his neighbours. He has not forgotten his difficult days as he grew up and as per info here doing as much he can to alleviate suffering of less fortunate people.
    It is very commendable.
    I like to read about such people and pray for their good health.

    DisAgree Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • KODAKKAL SHIVAPRASAD, SHIMOGA

    Fri, May 10 2013

    Political leaders always secular people, even BJP is non-secular then holding Shimoga Municipality since a decade never thought to observe Philosophers day,but when Mr.Prasanna Kumar's appeal to honour and hoist Philosphers day under auspecious with Shimoga Muncipality was implimented ! Although other religious leaders birthday was performed by Shimoga Municipality since decade, philosophers day was observed at least now, hats up to Mr.Prasanna Kumar for his victory and refrain for fund words at opposition tongues. Any how being a leading political person in the city Mr.Prasanna Kumar brought my voters card directly through his wife,it shows that he have sensational reactions with each citizens in the constituency. I wish him every success in this regard.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Bindu, Hyderabad

    Fri, May 10 2013

    Really well written article on my brother in law Prasannakumar K B. He would have won by greater margin if 7-8 dummy candidates were not made to stand against him, other than regular party contestants.

    Lucky Shimoga, ed the right person.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Seadma, India

    Tue, May 08 2018

    Let's see how he fairs this time around.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Anthony Lobo, Mangalore/USA

    Fri, May 10 2013

    A loved to read the story and no need to advise about his responsibilities towards his voters but one thing, beware of the snakes in the congress or any parties. You are in India.

    DisAgree Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • kannadiga, mangalore/dubai

    Fri, May 10 2013

    Congratulations!! this is the achievement. Apart from good personality and young man compared to horrible character (and of course double standard of fanatic/communal face) and scammed Eswarappa. JAI HO!!

    DisAgree [1] Agree [28] Reply Report Abuse

  • AMAR NATHAL, MANGALORE

    Fri, May 10 2013

    We need people like Prasanna Kumar to become pride of Karnataka!

    DisAgree [1] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vincent Rodrigues, Katapadi/Bangalore

    Fri, May 10 2013

    Congratulation to Mr.Prasanna Kumar for getting elected by defeating BJP president Mr.Eshwarappa, four time winner from Shimoga.Realy you are a real giant killer in this election.This may be due to your sincerity,self belief,hard work and public relation.Please put more efforts to develop this and we want to see you as great man.Thanq.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • Peter, Bolkunje/Mangalore

    Fri, May 10 2013

    What a great achievement from newspaper boy to MLA. He will rise to even greater heights. So refreshing to read that whoever he met during the campaigning days they used recollect his days when he used to distribute newspapers. What a great impression he has made. Keep going.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • simple, Bangalore

    Fri, May 10 2013

    Salutes to you Mr. K B Prasannakumar
    There is no need at all to remind you of your responsibilities. And those will be looked after by you efficiently, as usual. That's the benefit of "Not so well off" "Hard Work" and knowing the people around personally\ remembering he too needed a helping hand earlier and helping others now, in his own way. Great guy - wish him good health and divine help too - to be very successful in his present position.
    Congratulations on your victory in this election

    DisAgree [1] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • James Sequeira, Barkur/Bangalore

    Fri, May 10 2013

    Congratulations to Prasanna Kumar. Honesty, hard work and love of the people and their development was his strong virtues that assured him of sweet victory. May he remain as such and be an example to all politicians to emulate. May many more such kind of people come into foray and clean the rotten system in politics. Best wishes to your ambitions and success in your political carreer. May people benefit from your victory.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • enness, mangaluru

    Fri, May 10 2013

    Congatulations.Hope ex -Paperboy does not make News for wrong reasons in future!!
    Also he is a PWD contactor..Hope no potholes!!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Damodar Bhat, Udupi

    Fri, May 10 2013

    R P Goenka too was a paper boy in his young days. His vision brought him to Mumbai from where he emerged as an industrialist / owner of Indian Express group of newspapers. So too with M S Oberoi of Oberoi Hotels. He started life as a bearer in a hotel in Shimla. His vision made him the chairman of Oberoi Group of Hotels. So there is nothing bad to read such headlines.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [28] Reply Report Abuse

  • Prasheesh Kumar. S., Mumbai

    Fri, May 10 2013

    There are more than 12,000 Udupi Style Hoteliers in Mumbai, belonging to various castes of Tulunadu. They all started their career in Teens as Hotel Cleaners and studying in night Schools. Today more than 10,000 of them have own Hotels, some of which are 3 Star Hotels. Some night School boys/Hotel Cleaners of udupi have become Chairman of Multi National comapanies.
    For Mangaloreans the Rags-To-Riches Story is nothing New.

    DisAgree Agree [35] Reply Report Abuse

  • R.Bhandarkar, M'Lore

    Fri, May 10 2013

    And on second thoughts....
    A former Paper boy or any other boy for that matter would have defeated
    a mighty(?) Minister whose colleagues were caught watching 'playboy'cartoons in our Assembly!

    DisAgree [1] Agree [26] Reply Report Abuse

  • mohammed mushtak, shimoga

    Fri, May 10 2013

    Congratulations MR. PRASANNA KUMAR.,my best wishes with you... you have changed the shape of old culprits. God bless

    DisAgree [1] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • R.Bhandarkar, M'Lore

    Fri, May 10 2013

    @Mohammed U.A.E. Saab-
    Wah ! Wah! Arj Hai!
    Jo Khalee Pili Election Ke Waqt Aathe Hain
    Use K.'Alva' Kahente Hain...
    Lekin Jo Sabko 'Tava' Fry Deke...
    Jeeth 'Jaate'Hain....
    Use Dildaar 'Mohidin Bava' Kahte Hain!!

    DisAgree [3] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • Valerian Dsouza, Udupi/Mumbai

    Fri, May 10 2013

    Prasanna Kumar, Congratulations!
    Thorny paths will always harden the feet.
    Your past life of thorny paths has toughened you.
    When you grow never forget the past and the people in your life!
    Work tirelessly as you have always been for the people without any discrimination!
    Servants servant has great potentials to be good leader of masses!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • Louis D'Souza, Kuwait

    Fri, May 10 2013

    I prayed to God for his defeat in election. Eshwarappa is the worst politician I have seen in my life. Yeddy is better than him. I don't have anything against Yeddy now. Bcz now Yeddy is matured and he has left back all his Ego behind BJP. He learnt his lesson after loosing power. Eshwarappa is humbled by Most eligible guy Prasana.
    Brahmins are known for their good behavior. All religions respect Brahmins for the same. I want to congratulate all Hindu brothers for voting minorities during this election, specially in D. K. Karnataka public had shown to the nation that we are most educated and matured voters. Eshwarappa, Harathal Hallappa, Renulacharya, Shobakka all are biting dust.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [40] Reply Report Abuse

  • P.A.SHANU, Mangalore

    Fri, May 10 2013

    WE NEED ONLY GOOD PEOPLE AS OUR REPRESENTATIVES IN THE ASSEMBLY AS WELL AS PARLIAMENT .DOSNT MATTER WHICH POLITICAL PARTY THEY BELONGS.

    LET US SEE THAT NONE OF THE CORRUPT, CRIMINAL BACKGROUND,AND SELFISH PEOPLE WILL ENTER THE COUNCILS OF PEOPLE AS OUR REPRESENTATIVES.

    TEACH THEM A LESSON.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • Muneer, Shimoga

    Fri, May 10 2013

    Dear Prasanna,

    Hay this is Muneer from Jeddah (KSA)your child hood mate, hope remember.

    Congrate and good luck.

    Best Regards,
    Muneer
    Jeddah

    DisAgree [1] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mohammad Salauddeen bantwal, Mangalore/UAE

    Fri, May 10 2013

    Haar kar jeethne walo ko baazigar kehte hain.
    Dil jeeth kar election jeethne walon ko Prasanna Kumar aur UT Kadar kehte hain!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [26] Reply Report Abuse

  • Pinto, Mangalore

    Fri, May 10 2013

    Aur jithene wali match ko harne wale ko Yusuf Pathan kethe hain

    DisAgree [5] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • G R PRABHU, BEJAI ,MANGALORE

    Fri, May 10 2013

    There is no difference between Paper boy or Hotel boy or President of India's son ,all are Indians and have got every right to serve the nation.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [48] Reply Report Abuse

  • C K DAYANANDA, MANGALURU

    Fri, May 10 2013

    Mr. Prasanna Kumar is a Brahmin.

    Perhaps to retain the Brahmin vote bank, Mr. Eshwarappa gave a fiery speech at the Brahmin's meet and due to this, was booked by the Election Commission.

    In the photo itself, Mr. Prasanna Kumar has a gentleman look, in line with the culture of his community.

    I wish all the best to Mr. Prasanna Kumar in his future political career.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [31] Reply Report Abuse

  • ISMAIL.K.PERINJE, PERINJE-YANBU/KSA

    Fri, May 10 2013

    Absolutely it is a repercussion of fall out between friend turned foe BSY and the speech he made about Brahimin community referring LOVE-JIHAD might be backfired.A DCM,powerful Kuruba leader,then President of BJP standing in a third position in last Assembly election means....There could have more issues and reasons to look in to about ISHU's debacle ?

    DisAgree [2] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • ISMAIL.K.PERINJE, PERINJE-YANBU/KSA

    Fri, May 10 2013

    SHIMOGA's NALIN KUMAR KATEEL!!!

    DisAgree [29] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ronald D, Udupi

    Fri, May 10 2013

    Thumi Bore boraithath Bhandarkar Maam!

    DisAgree [3] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • S.M. Nawaz Kukkikatte, udupi

    Fri, May 10 2013

    Finally great achieved at least you understand the pain of poor. Good luck Prasanna

    DisAgree [3] Agree [35] Reply Report Abuse

  • R.Bhandarkar, M'Lore

    Fri, May 10 2013

    Paper Boy... Excuse me -I do not deride any job, knowing first hand how it is to work down the ladder.
    But this time considering the achievements of Eshwarappa, even a 'Sweeper Boy'would have swept him off his feet and won in the elections! A former 'Paper Boy' was more than a formidable opponent for Eshwarappa!Mighty my ..s !

    DisAgree [4] Agree [55] Reply Report Abuse

  • KRPrabhu, Kudla/Bangalore

    Fri, May 10 2013

    Paper boy and Paper tiger!!!

    DisAgree [3] Agree [43] Reply Report Abuse

  • Charles D'Mello, Pangala

    Fri, May 10 2013

    We really need this kind of real leaders for our future.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [55] Reply Report Abuse


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