Daijiworld Media Network – Puttur (SP)

Puttur, Oct 26: In a surprise development, Karnataka Chief Minister, D V Sadananda Gowda, visited his mentor-turned-critic, K Rama Bhat, on the night of Monday October 24. Former MLA, K Rama Bhat, who parted ways with BJP on account of differences over the increased interference of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in BJP activities, is the honorary president of ‘Swabhimani Vedike’.

The fact that BJP chose not to issue ticket to its sitting member from Puttur assembly constituency, Shakuntala Shetty, in the last election, was the cause for the relationship between Gowda and Bhat growing sour. It was widely believed that Sadananda Gowda had remained stubborn at not choosing Shakuntala as the party candidate. Even though attempts to strike a truce between the two had been made, none had succeeded.

It is said that the CM met Bhat in tune with a decision taken at a meeting Gowda had with RSS leaders like My Cha Jayadev and Dr Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat on Monday evening, at the premises of Vivekananda Group of Educational Institutions here. Sadananda Gowda has always respected Rama Bhat as his mentor and groomer, but his earlier attempts to get closer to Rama Bhat were vetoed by the party, it is gathered.

Details of discussions Gowda had with Rama Bhat could not be ascertained.