Karnataka: Nearing 100, he won't stop fighting for freedoms

Bengaluru: In the days following Independence, many freedom fighters went on to become Ministers, MLCs and Mayors but not  Gandhian, H S Doreswamy.

Ask him why he didn't aspire for any position and the nonagenarian, close to turning 100 now,  laughs and responds simply, “ I don’t have any political ambitions.” Cutting in  his comments, even on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, he gave his take on issues concerning the state and country in an interview with Deccan Chronicle. Excerpts:

Q: Can you take us back to your role in the freedom struggle  and Gandhiji's association with Bengaluru?
A: Mahatma Gandhi inspired me to join the freedom movement. He visited Bengaluru  on many occasions and when he stayed at Nandi Hills, I used to climb up there every single day to listen to him and take part in the prarthana sabhas.  All members of the Mysore Congress Committee formed a group called 'Ginger Group' to speed up things and make India independent. Initially we used country-made bombs to blow up government offices and destroy documents, but later realised that Gandhiji's non-violent satyagraha was the only mantra for freedom. 

Q: What was your dream for India ? Are you happy with the nation and the state's progress ?
A: Our dream of India was of a poverty -free nation. But even after 70 years of independence this still remains a distant dream.

Q:You were imprisoned on many occasions. What difference do you see among the kind of politicians, who went to jail then and now ?
A: It was matter of pride for us to go to prison as we were being jailed for fighting for our nation. It was like a university where we learnt a lot. But today many head to prison for their greed and wrong-doings. They also manage to enjoy special privileges in jail, which is disheartening. Society, which should look down upon them, fails to do that. Going to jail has become like a vacation. Many convert jail into a home away from home.

Q: Why didn’t you aspire for any position after Independence?  
A: I do not have any political ambitions. But once when my name was suggested to be nominated as MLC, Hanumanthaiah said he could nominate me only on the condition  that I did not question politicians. I stood up and just walked away as I cannot stop myself from questioning any wrong.  

Q: On what basis do you think election tickets are given today ?
A:They are given to those who do not question the decisions of their high command. These days elections are driven by money, liquor, power and caste. Corruption has become a part of society due to all this. It's 'Kumbarkarna democracy'.

Q:Kannada film actor Upendra is gearing up to launch a political party. What do you think of this ?
A:He may be a hero in the celluloid world, but we should wait and watch whether people will accept him in politics. His success will depend on what kind of people he gives tickets to. If he gives tickets to the corrupt, land grabbers and bad elements he may end up becoming another Kejriwal down South.

 Q: What is your opinion on issues plaguing Bengaluru like traffic and garbage ?
A: Bengaluru's traffic has worsened over the years and the tree cover has reduced. When I met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at a media function I requested him to give 'gas masks' to all. The solution for Bengaluru's garbage lies in segregation and ensuring that the rest is turned into compost and recycled. To solve Bengaluru's traffic we do not need fancy steel flyovers or pod taxis or tunnels, which are nothing but cash cows. We need to instead improve public transport and focus on human development and develop regions apart from Bengaluru to decongest it. 

Q: The fighter in you keeps fighting for one or the other cause even today. Which fight is closest to you ?
A: My aim is to ensure land for the landless. This one fight is close to my heart and is in continuation to the Bhoodan movement started by Vinobha Bhave. But the only difference is that today we are asking the government to give land to the landless. I will not retire until this happens and becomes a government policy.