Bangalore : Thousands Pay Homage to Prakash
From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bangalore, Feb 9: Karnataka Governor H R Bhardwaj, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, Union Ministers and leaders cutting across party lines and other prominent persons from all walks of life, including Bangalore Archbishop Rev Dr Bernard Moras paid homage to former Deputy Chief Minister M P Praksh, who breathed his last after a prolonged battle with Cancer early Wednesday morning.
The body of the 71-year-old Senior Congress leader, who had endeared himself to the masses by erudite scholarship, mastery over Kannada and English, writings, oratory and theatre performances,was kept for public homage at the Freedom Park till about 1.30 pm.
A police gun salute was offered before the mortal remains were carried in a hearse van to the native village of Praksh, who died early this morning at Manipal Hospital in the city, in Hadagali in Bellary district, where the last rites would be performed on Thursday morning.
Bhardwaj mourned the death of Prakash, saying he always kept service before self. “Prakash always kept service before self and carved out a place for himself in public life. The void left behind by Prakash demise cannot be filled,” the Governor said in his condolence message.
The Chief Minister, who had announced that all schools and colleges in Bellary district would remain closed on Thursday as a mark of respect to the departed leader, offered condolences to his family.
Yeddyurappa paid floral tributes to the departed leader and said “Prakash, a thinker, was committed deeply to pro-people ideologies. He made significant contributions to the state. In the death of Prakash, the state has lost a towering personality.”
Union External Affairs Minister S M Krishna and Union Law Minister M Veerappa Moily, both former chief ministers, have also condoled the death of Prakash.
Moily said “Prakash has been one of the multifaceted leaders who acquainted acquainted himself as the most prominent leader in the political landscape of Karnataka. He was highly creative, dedicated and commanded excellent reputation. His demise, Congress has lost one of its precious leaders and the State has lost a dedicated personality.”
Opposition Congress leader in the Assembly Siddaramaiah, one of the close associates of Prakash, paid his last respects to the moral remains of the leader at the Freedom Park.
“Prakash is a great parliamentarian. In the death of Prakash, the state had lost a statesman and leader who strived for the welfare of all sections of the society,” Siddaramaiah said.
Bangalore Archbishop Rev Dr Bernard Moras said, ``Prakash was a true secular personality and a rare breed of politician. He was a champion of all minority sections, oppressed and downtrodden sections. He was a multi-faceted personality, who was a friend to all and had no or few enemies. The state has become poorer with the death of such a great and unique personality.”
Ministers Basavaraj Bommai, S Suresh Kumar, Vishveshwara Hegde Kageri, Kannada Development Authority Chairman “Mukhyamantri Chandru”, former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy and JD (S) state unit Working President P G R Sindhia, former Chief Minister and MP N Dharam Singh, KPCC President G Parameshwara, BJP State president K S Eshwarappa, Leader of the Opposition in the Council Motamma, JD (S) General Secretary G K Reddy, Congress leaders R V Deshpande, M H Ambarish, D K Shivakumar, Kannada Chaluvali leader Vatal Nagaraj, also expressed grief over the death of Prakash.
Bangalore: Former Deputy CM, M P Prakash, Passes Away
Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)
Bangalore, Feb 9: Veteran politician, writer, theatre personality, social activist, advocate, and former deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka and multi-faceted personality, M P Prakash (71), breathed his last at Manipal Hospital here on the morning of Wednesday February 9. Matada Patil Prakash, who had scores of friends in all the political parties, is survived by wife, a son, and three daughters.
Prakash, who had been admitted into the said hospital some time back because of ailments, breathed his last today morning. He had battled with cancer for long, and had been cured of the ailment.
Prakash, a prominent leader from Lingayat community and a holder of MA and LLB degrees, had authored four books. He was elected as MLA five times, had acted in a movie, directed many plays and acted in many more. He was an orator par excellence. He also had worked as the state president of Janata Dal. A few years back, he had joined the Congress party. In the recent past, he had vehemently opposed the mining lobby, and had hailed the Supreme Court’s strictures on mining activities.
His body has been moved to Freedom Park here, where it has been kept for public viewing. Funeral will take place at Hadagali in Bellary district later.
The Chief Minister, who has deeply mourned the death of Prakash, and offered condolences to his family, has announced that all schools and colleges in Bellary district will remain closed on Thursday, as a mark of respect for the departed leader.