Advani deems Acharya as role model for budding politicians

Udupi, Feb 15: Paying rich tributes to departed BJP functionary VS Acharya, senior party leader LK Advani on Wednesday said cultured and civilised politicians like Acharya were needed in this era of 'cut-throat' and 'slippery' politics.

"Cultured and civilised politicians like Acharya are required in the era of 'slippery' politics," he said at a condolence meeting here to pay tributes to the Higher Education Minister who passed away following a massive heart attack in Bangalore yesterday.

Advani said Acharya was instrumental in the Jan Sangh capturing power in the 1968 Udupi Town Municipal elections. "Acharya was a role model for those who nursed an ambition of becoming a political leader," he said.

Acharya's contribution to Udupi's development is unparalled, Advani said. "Udupi Town Muncipality is one of the best-run civic bodies in South India and the credit goes to Acharya," he added.

Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda said there would be no other Acharya in the state's political future. "No other politician of the calibre of Acharya will be born again. He was a God to our party," he said.

Former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa remembered Acharya as "Ajatshatru", a man having no enemies. Acharya was a compassionate and experienced politician, Yeddyurappa said, adding, he was a rare breed.

Yeddyurappa urged the state gopvernment to build a memorial for the late leader.

PTI