JOIN USWell known Kannada novelist S L Bhyrappa on Tuesday called Jnanpith awardee U R Ananthamurthy an “opportunist” and accused the latter of always taking benefits from politicians.
Speaking to reporters here, Bhyrappa said that he never indulged in any political activities in the past and will not do so in future also.
Replying to a question on Murthy’s earlier statement that he would quit India if Modi became the prime minister, Bhyrappa said, “Wait and watch. He will welcome Modi with a bouquet once he becomes the prime minister. However, I will neither garland Modi nor seek any favour from him”.
“Though Ananthamurthy now supported Congress, he had earlier supported former Chief Minister Ramakrishna Hegde and former prime minister H D Deve Gowda. Don’t trust Ananthamurthy just with his statements. He keeps changing his stand”, Bhyrappa said adding that “don’t compare me with him. While extending support to politicians, Murthy expects favour from political parties.”
Bhyrappa was in the national capital to participate in a media interaction with select writers, who have backed Modi as prime minister. The interaction was organised by the BJP. When asked whether he came here on the invitation of the BJP, he denied. “I came here on my own and not on the invitation of the BJP”, he said.
Dismissing the criticism that he was supporting right-wing ideology, he said “I am not rightist. However, now I am extending my support to Modi just because he is honest person and will develop this country”.
Explaining his earlier experience during his tour to Gujarat, he said “Gujarat is one of the best states in the country and Modi had proved himself as an able administrator. However, the UPA government is mired in corruption and Congress is just one-family show.”
Dismissing the criticism that Modi was acting like dictator, Bhyrappa said that the former was a very accommodative leader and would take all leaders into confidence.
“One has to be a dictator sometimes to implement any important development project. Had Vishvesvaraya not been adamant, Krishnarajsagar reservoir would not have been a reality,” he said.