Author: Kestur Vasuki
Publication: The Pioneer
Date: February 7, 2011
URL: http://www.dailypioneer.com/316063/Bhardwaj-sparks-another-controversy.html
Karnataka Governor Hansraj Bhardwaj has once
again donned his political hat by slamming a judicial commission's report
on church attacks in the State and withholding an honorary doctorate to noted
historian and Kannada writer M Chidananda Murthy for backing the panel's findings.
Talking to media at Raj Bhavan in Bangalore
on Sunday at the sidelines of a function, Bhardwaj said that he was "disturbed"
by Justice BK Somasekhara Commission's report on church attacks in the State
in 2008.
"The entire Christian community is upset
with the commission's report. No justice has been done to them. I have received
the synopsis of the report, not the full copy. I am disturbed about it,"
Bhardwaj said.
The Governor also embarrassed the ruling BJP
and the Kannada literary world by exercising his power as the Chancellor to
withhold Bangalore University's decision to bestow an honorary doctorate to
Chidananda Murthy.
Justifying his decision to "temporarily
withhold" the proposal, Bhardwaj quoted a newspaper report that Murthy,
a former professor of Kannada at Bangalore University and a historian, endorsed
the commission's report and also talked about religious conversions in the
State. "I have held it (the honorary doctorate) back temporarily. A decision
on clearing his name for an honorary degree was withheld to check his antecedents
and to verify and to ensure that I (Bhardwaj) do not get involved into any
controversy as head of the State," the Governor said.
"There is no conversion in the State.
At this critical juncture, when the entire Christian community is upset that
no justice has been done to them (in the commission's report), my duty is
to at least look after them (Christians)," he added.
Talking to The Pioneer, Dr Chidananda Murthy
said that he was shocked at the Governor's utterances against him. He said
he had never supported attacks on churches, temple or mosques, but was opposed
to forced conversions.
The decision of Bhardwaj to withhold honorary
doctorate to Dr Murthy has snowballed into a major controversy and pitched
the entire Kannada literary world against the Governor.
Noted writer and Jnanpith awardee Dr UR Ananthamurthy
also slammed the Governor's decision and told The Pioneer that this was an
insult to Kannada and its culture.
Another noted Kannada writer, Chandrashekhara
Patil (also known as Champa), also criticised Bhardwaj's decision. Talking
to the media, he said, "It is an insult to Kannada and its people. If
corrective measures are not taken, we will protest during the Bangalore University's
convocation. How can we take these insults lying down?"
Dr GS Shivarudrappa, a well-known poet in
Karnataka, has also slammed Bhardwaj for insulting the pride of Kannadigas.
"In the name of doing justice and protecting the interests of Christian
community, the Governor is preparing the ground to dismiss the ruling BJP
in Karnataka. We are not against Christians or in favour of attacks on churches,
but it is clear that the Governor is acting like a Congress agent," said
a senior professor in the university.
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Karnataka CM declares assets
As anticipated, Karnataka CM BS Yeddyurappa
declared his assets to silence his detractors within and without the party.
It assumes significance as accusations and
allegations of corruption in de-notification of lands in favour of his kith
and kin has grown beyond proportions. In fact, the Opposition Congress and
JD(S) have declared war against Yeddyurappa over his alleged corruption and
nepotism and demanded his resignation.
