BBMP council mourns death of 'Sri Shivakumara Swamiji'

Bengaluru: Cutting across party lines, corporators paid rich tributes to the “Walking God”, Sri Shivakumara Swamiji, at the monthly BBMP council meeting on Tuesday. They observed a two-minute silence before starting the meeting.

Ruling party leader Shivaraj said Shivakumara Swamiji was a veritable God to hungry children, pursuing education. He lamented that the Swamiji was not given the Bharat Ratna when he was alive. “Breaking all barriers of caste, creed and religion, the Swamiji educated thousands of children every year,” Mr Shivaraj said.

Palike has reserved '1 crore for the birthday celebrations of the Swamiji and has renamed a stretch of Tumakuru Road after him, he said.

Ridiculing the BBMP, leader of opposition Padmanabha Reddy said that the Palike with its budget outlay of Rs 10,000 crore struggles to run its schools and colleges at certain standards, while the Swamiji not only provided education, but also ensured food and accommodation to poor children.

Mayor Gangambike said the 'anna dasoha' initiated by the Swamiji is an inspiration to the government to serve free food. Terming the Swamiji the modern Basavanna, she said the Siddaganga Matha seer empowered women and provided education to the needy.

The Council also mourned the death of socialist leader and former Union Defence Minister George Fernandes.