It was an emotional moment for the family of Janata Dal (S) supremo and former Prime Minister, H.D. Deve Gowda as he formally made way for his grandson, Prajwal in Hassan constituency for the coming parliamentary poll, here on Wednesday.
Family members turned teary eyed as Mr Gowda presented a garland and a shawl to his grandson at the Chennakeshava temple in Moodalahippe village of Holenarsipura, heralding the entry of the next generation of the clan into politics. Prajwal’s father, minister H.D. Revanna, mother Bhavani, also a zilla panchayat member, and party men attended.
Mr Prajwal later joined Mr Gowda in a symbolic launch of his campaign by riding with him in an open jeep around the village. Like his grandfather and father, Prajwal began his campaign from the Chennakeshava temple where an ‘aarti’ was performed while he faced east. To add to the auspicious mood, two transgenders visited his home in Holenarsipura town to perform an ‘aarti’ and wish him success in the Lok Sabha poll.
Speaking to reporters later, Mr Gowda said he would announce the candidature of his other grandson, Nikhil Kumaraswamy for Mandya after holding discussions with the leaders concerned, but asserted there was no doubt he would contest from the constiutency.
On the “Nikhil Go back” campaign on a social networking site, he said, “I will go to Mandya and hold a meeting before announcing Nikhil’s name.”
Asked about his new constituency for the Lok Sabha poll, Mr Gowda replied, “I don’t know where I will contest from.”
