Shimoga: Bangarappa's Death Gives Rise to Battle of Succession
Daijiworld Media Network - Shimoga (SP)
Shimoga, Dec 29: Even as fans of Sarekoppa Bangarappa, former Chief Minister of Karnataka, continue to grieve his sudden demise, the leader’s sons seem to be fighting out a pitched battle for supremacy and succession of the legacy.
Bangarappa's fans, who have rallied behind their icon’s younger son Madhu, have shown their impatience towards elder son Kumar Bangarappa. The situation turned ugly on Wednesday December 28 at Kubatoor in Sorab taluk in the district, where Kumar Bangarappa had arrived to perform puja ritual to the ashes of his father. The police had to resort to light lathi charge to bring the situation under control.
Madhu and Kumar Bangarappa
It may be recalled that the seniority of Kumar Bangarappa was overlooked, and the right to lit the pyre was given to Madhu Bangarappa, who has steadfastly followed in his father’s footsteps since the last several years. Kumar, who had followed his father and changed parties as desired by the latter for several years, had been fed up and decided to stay with Congress party after Bangarappa defected to BJP a few years ago. Thereafter, relationship between Bangarappa and his elder son turned bitter, many a time turning into public spat. There were occasions in which Bangarappa berated Kumar, and even went to the extent of disowning his elder son.
Kumar Bangarappa, who came to the grave of his father on Wednesday, performed puja to the ashes as per custom, in spite of stiff resistance from several people. He said he had been waiting to be invited by his mother or other relatives to do so, but had followed the advice of senior leaders like Kagodu Timmappa in visiting the place and offering puja. Those at the spot argued with Kumar, saying that they would allow him to perform puja only if he is accompanied by his mother, Shakuntalamma. Kumar, who was distraught at the development, returned, after which the puja paraphernalia laid out for him were vandalized by the mob. The people there also raised slogans against Kumar Bangarappa.
While Kumar, speaking to journalists later, insisted that he had no standing differences with his younger brother, he felt that his mother, sisters, and brothers-in-law should have taken responsibility to sort out the issues and pave way for an amicable solution. When confronted, Kumar’s brother-in-law and sandalwood hero, Shivaraj Kumar, felt that the girl’s right to interfere in the affairs of her parental home ceases upon her marriage, and as such, he did not think it fit to interfere in the affairs of his in-laws.
Some also expressed suspicion that the interested people are preparing battleground for the heirs to fight the next Lok Sabha election, which is less than two years away. Towards this end, they felt, the concerned are trying to win over sympathies of the people, which can turn into votes during the election. Both Kagodu Timmappa and MLA, Belur Gopalakrishna, felt that the above incident should not have happened.
Speaking to reporters later, Madhu Bangarappa said he is not prepared to discuss issues which he said, relate to his family affairs. He however, informed that a programme to pay tributes to his late father will be organized at Samanavalli Farm House on January 5.