Silvester D’Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (MS)

Kundapur, Jun 15: The final rites of senior leader of BJP and former MLA of Amasebail Gopalakrishna Kodgi was cremated on the afternoon of June 14 at his farm near his residence at Amasebail.

Mortal remains of Kodgi were kept in the campus of Gokul cashew factory for public viewing. Thousands of people paid their last respect to the departed leader.

Gun salute was given to late Kodgi under the leadership of home minister Araga Jnanendra by firing three rounds in the air. The tricolour was handed over to the family members of Kodgi.

Ministers Shobha Karandlaje, Araga Jnanendra, Kota Srinivas Poojary, former MLC K Pratapchandra Shetty, Halady Srinivas Shetty, Capt Ganesh Karnik and others were present.

Kodgi’s sons and daughter along with other family members were present.

Jnanedra said that the contribution of Kodgi in strengthening Panchayat Raj system is immense and said that he did memorable job as the president of third finance commission.

Vinay Kumar Sorake said that Kodgi was known for his straight talk and was respected by all party leaders and workers.

MP B Y Raghavendra also paid rich tributes to the departed leader and said that Kodgi was instrumental in bringing light to Amasebail through solar lamps.

Shobha Karandlaje recalled the part played by Kodgi in building BJP in the coastal districts. She said that it was Kodgi who offered her the first responsibility of district chief secretary of BJP.

“The chief minister used to reserve one hour for Kodgi’s visit. Even at the age of 94, his spirit of work was commendable. He has led a fulfilled life,” said Shobha.