The Hindu 01.02.2011
Some councillors put their foot in their mouth
One denigrates Pt. Joshi, another likens Dewan Ali to Gandhi
CITY’S ELDERS: Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike councillors seek an
early end to the meeting on Monday to mourn the death of fellow member
Mohammed Dewan Ali. — PHOTO: K. GOPINATHAN
The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Council on Monday mourned
the deaths of Banashankari Temple ward councillor Mohammed Ali (Dewan
Ali) and Bhimsen Joshi.
However, the slain councillor, who was a career
criminal, was praised and remembered for his “good nature, desire to
reform and willingness to work for the people of his ward,” while Pandit
Joshi was dubbed a “drunkard”.
Chickpet councillor Shivkumar, with both feet in his
mouth, said the classical musician used to “drink and then sing” and
expressed his outrage that “even drunkards were being remembered”.
This remark immediately drew a fusillade of protests from all quarters.
Pulled up
Senior councillors immediately tried to salvage the
situation and requested Mayor S.K. Nataraj to expunge the comment. A
senior councillor who didn’t want to be named said Mr. Shivkumar was
later pulled up.
“This was an irresponsible statement. His statement will be taken off the records,” confirmed the Mayor.
However, councillor Shivkumar had more to say, insisting he was not allowed to complete his speech.
“My comments were cut short. I wanted to say that even
though Pandit Joshi used to drink before concerts, he enraptured
millions with his golden voice,” Mr. Shivkumar said.
Curious comparison
Another tactless comment came from Kempegowda ward
councillor Ashwath who likened Ali’s roadside killing to the
assassinations of Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. “All
were assassinated in public,” he said. Earlier, several members,
including Kaveripura councillor R. Prakash, demanded that the meeting be
adjourned as a mark of respect to Dewan Ali and reiterated the issue of
security for elected representatives.
MLC Abdul Azim wanted a resolution in this regard which the State Government should ratify.
The meeting was adjourned till Tuesday.
