HAVERI: Former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai said that Karnataka would not have been unified without the efforts of the late former Chief Minister S Nijalingappa. The significant contributions of the Banajiga community in politics cannot be forgotten.
He was speaking at the felicitation ceremony organised by the Taluk Banajiga Community Welfare Association at the Lalateshwar Kalyan Mantap in Savanur town on Sunday and addressed the second gathering of the Taluk Banajiga community. The event honoured the newly elected MPs and awarded meritorious SSLC and PUC students.
Bommai said they have taught the community the values of unity and accountability. He was indebted to the community. They have educated the people on how to conduct business, whereas a farmer’s job ends with harvesting the crop, and they take on the responsibility of selling it. Often, they do our tasks without realising their importance.
The MP emphasized the Banajiga community’s significant political contributions, noting that if not for S. Nijalingappa, Karnataka’s unification wouldn’t have happened. “Nijalingappa united Old Karnataka, Mumbai Karnataka, and Kalyana Karnataka. Nijalingappa was elected unopposed from the Shiggaon constituency and became the Chief Minister from here, showing the deep connection between him and this constituency.
The BJP leader praised Nijalingappa’s leadership in social life, economic life, and education. He pointed out that the leadership of the 1960s was absent now and stressed the importance of organization to regain such leadership. “Economic, social, and educational leadership in the Veerashaiva communities can eventually translate into political leadership,” he said.
The former CM acknowledged the significant role of the Banajiga community in establishing the KLE society and urged for its continuous progress across different regions.
He assured that he would facilitate government support for building a community hall. “You have given me the strength to serve, whether or not I hold a position. There is no connection between power and service. I will use the strength you have given me for your benefit,” he promised”.
Bommai underscored the importance of remembering benefactors and said their relationship must be continuous, and remembering benefactors is key. In the future, if the community needs any help from me, he would will go beyond his capacity to assist. Even if one of their brothers goes to Delhi, he will continue to serve you in Shiggaon Savanur.”
The event was attended by former Chief Minister and MP from Belagavi Lok Sabha constituency Jagadish Shettar, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Hubballi Central MLA Mahesh Tenginkai, and several prominent leaders from the community. (ANI)