Nil Gejji/Newindpress
Bangalore, Sep 26: The Chief Minister’s Rs 5 lakh bonanza for Karnataka player of the Twenty20 world cup winning team Robin Uthappa and bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad has not gone down well with the people of north Karnataka as the reward has come at a time when lakhs of people in the region are struggling to get even meager amounts as relief for the damage they suffered due to incessant rains.
While many feel that H D Kumaraswamy should not have announced such a big cash prize for the players especially when people of the state were passing through troubled times, others consider it as a gesture from the state government towards the players who made the state proud with their performances.
‘‘Cricket in India is mainly driven by sentiments. We have seen people going to the extent of taking to the streets for these players.
But, Kumaraswamy being the chief minister should not have been carried away by these sentiments,’’ says a Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, general secretary Kalyanrao Muchalambi.
Moreover, these players have no dearth of money as the BCCI announced three million dollars for their emphatic win in world cup final.
Besides, crores of rupees would be poured into their pockets in the form of match fees and advertisement offers they would get with their soaring popularity.
On the other hand, people who had lost everything including their houses, cattle and standing crops had been struggling to make both ends meet.
The government which has announced a pittance in the form of relief has not shown the same alacrity in reaching out to the affected populace.
The recent floods in Dharwad, Gadag and Bagalkot districts had killed more than 35 people besides causing damage to more than 72,000 houses and crops in over 2.6 lakh acres.
‘‘The compensation for a fully damaged pucca house is not even Rs 10,000 and it is better we do not speak about compensation for crop loss.
Can anyone believe that a farmer recieved Rs 16 as crop insurance,’’ he asked adding that the leaders should know their priorities first.
Friends hail Uthappa
Shikha Tandon, National Swimmer: ‘‘Robin played really well, the team gave a brilliant performance. The Indian team were on a tough spot, to come out of that spot to play so well towards the end was fantastic.
Robin is a determined batsman, who attacks the bowling, which is good for an opening batsman.
I am looking forward for the forthcoming India- Australia Match. I haven’t watched Robin play on field before and I will not miss the Saturday’s Match.’’ Pankaj Advani, International Billiards Champion: ‘‘I’m really happy for Robin Uthappa because he has been in and out of the Indian Team for some time and coming back home with the World Cup is fantastic.
Robin must be on top of the world. I have known Robin for four years and he is a great guy, totally different off the field. He’s full of life’’. ‘‘Technically Robin is one of the best opening batsmen. He is at his best form right now and being in the top order as batsman is beneficial.
He’s an entertaining batsmen and can match upto the other top batsmen very soon. I wish him all the best.