BENGALURU: In the 60th anniversary of the Vidhana Soudha becoming the the seat of the State legislature, veteran journalist and former Chief of Bureau of The Hindu , Bengaluru, C.M. Ramachandra has brought out a book named Rare and Magnificent Monument to Democracy and Popular Supremacy - Vidhana Soudha .
The book draws from the author’s close professional association with the second chief minister Kengal Hanumanthaiah, the man behind the imposing architecture.
Chief Minister Siddarmaiah on Saturday released the book at a small functional attended by veteran journalists, politicians and cabinet ministers.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ramachandra recalled his long professional association with Hanumanthaiah. Describing the volume as a ‘valuable work on the Vidhana Soudha’, Mr. Siddaramaiah cited the decision of Hanumanthaiah to set up a enquiry commission headed by a retired high court judge to probe the allegations of corruption against him in the construction of the monument as a sign of his integrity.
“Hanumanthaiah was accused of corruption for having spent a meagre Rs.1.84-crore in the 1950s. He had to face a probe despite being honest. Now, people who are involved in corruption escape without being punished,” he said.
Pointing to the inscriptions on Vidhana Soudha — Government's work is God's work and Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitaha — Mr. Siddaramaiah said these words should be the leading lights for those coming to the Vidhana Soudha to serve the people. The government is planning to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Vidhana Soudha in an appropriate manner shortly, he said.
