KALABURAGI: Despite his advanced age and poor health in the last few years, former chief minister N Dharam Singh’s interest in electoral politics never waned. He strongly yearned to continue his lead role in politics, and had not yet made up his mind about bidding adieu to active politics.
According to Mr Khaji Arshad Ali, President of Bidar District Congress Committee, who was a close confidant of the departed leader, Singh had always shown keen interest in politics and kept himself abreast of the developments in the district as well as state even when he was on a hospital bed. “Even when doctors advised him rest, he used to talk freely with the people of his constituency and party leaders. He was keen on playing an active role. When I met him on Wednesday, he told me that he would take part in the function to be attended by the Chief Minister in Bidar on August 13. His aim was to make sure the Congress won all six Assembly segments in Bidar district and the Bidar Lok Sabha seat in the coming elections, he was planning and working in that direction”, Mr Ali stated.
Dharam Singh with the then CM Devaraj Urs and M. Mallikarjun Kharge.
On whether Singh had expressed his desire to retire from politics in view of his age, Mr Ali said although his family members had advised him to retire in view of his health condition and not to harbour the idea of contesting again from Bidar, Singh had not yet made up his mind on retiring from politics. “I cannot say emphatically whether he wanted to contest from Bidar again if his health permitted. But I can say that he had not retired from active politics and was not contemplating doing so”, Mr Ali added.
According to sources, family members of Singh tried to persuade him to refrain from contesting from Bidar in 2014 as they were keen on a happy ending to his long political career. But he did not heed their advice and unfortunately paid the price of losing the poll.
Dharam Singh with former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh.
On whether Singh had r expressed desire of ending his long career on a “winning note”, Mr Ali said Singh had not expressed any such desire.
“But his supporters wished that the long and brilliant career of Singh, who was hailed as the Solillada Saradar till he was defeated in 2009 Assembly election, should end with a shining colour (read as victory in the Lok Sabha election). But the situation did not allow it to happen”, he added.
I used to fondly call him uncle: Priyank Kharge
He (veteran Congress leader Dharam Singh) used to address me as ‘Priyanka’ though I kept telling him that my name was Priyank Kharge. He used to jokingly say that the name geven by your father (Mallikarjun Kharge) is a tongue twister and would always call me Priyanka.
I used to fondly address him as ‘Uncle’ and consulted him before taking any decision pertaining to my portfolio. My father and Uncle Dharam Singh were friends for over five decades and people addressed them as 'Ram and Laxman' or 'Lava and Kusha'. They maintained a healthy relationship for over 50 years. They both belonged to Kalaburgi district and were considered tall leaders not only in Hyderabad-Karnataka but across the state. I haven't seen them fighting over any issue as they enjoyed the same wave length and commitment to development of the region. My father was the happiest when his close pal became chief minister of a Congress-JD(S) coalition from 2004 to 2006.
Dharam Singh with Chief Minister R. Gundu Rao in 1980
More than anything, he was like a father to me. When I lost the by-poll, he advised me to take it in a good spirit. Winning and losing elections is common, he said and cited the example of Indira Gandhi who lost the Lok Sabha election despite being PM. You must work in your constituency and connect with people and they will definitely bless you in the next election, he said. I won the 2013 Assembly polls and Uncle Singh was happy. He never differentiated between me and his sons,Ajay Singh and Vijay Singh and treated all of us equally. He used to play with my kids whenever I went to his house. I called him three days ago and enquired about his health. I never imagined that he would depart so soon. Another quality he had was making sure he fulfilled promises made to anyone in his constituency. He had a good memory and remembered names of his constituency voters. It is very difficult to find such a leader. More than me, the entire H-K region is going to miss someone who was liked by all parties.
(As told to Shyam Sundar Vattam)
Cremation today
- The body will be kept for public viewing at the Government Degree College Ground in Jewargi town till 3 pm
- Cremation will take place at Nelogi village at 4 pm today as per Rajput traditions at the family farm
- A state mourning has been declared for three days from Thursday
Margaret Alva, Former Governor
Dharam Singh was a genial and lovable personality. He was always ready with a helping hand for those who approached him and will be remembered for his many welfare initiatives. In his passing away, the state has lost a mature political personality and the party, a loyal and respected Congressman. My condolences to his bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace.
H. D. Deve Gowda, JD(S) Patriarch
Dharam Singh served as MLA for a long period. He had also worked with me. He was one of the prominent backward classes leaders of the state. A friendly human being, Singh is a rare personality in Karnataka politics. His death has created a vacuum among backward class leaders.
B.S. Yeddyurappa, State BJP President
The former CM has left an indelible impression on the political history of Karnataka with his genuine commitment for the welfare of people of all sections. His knowledge and experience was phenomenal as he had handled sensitive portfolios with sincerity of purpose and dedication. The state has lost an able administrator in Singh.
Jagadish Shettar, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly
Dharam Singh was ‘Ajathashatru’. Singh had many friends not only in the Congress party but also in other parties. Singh was appreciated for his simplicity and mild mannered-style of functioning.
Sonia Gandhi, Congress President
Dharam Singh will always be remembered for his work and commitment in a career spanning five decades.
Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress leader in Lok Sabha
Dharam Singh's death is a great shock to me, our friendship is over 50 years old. I feel like losing my elder brother
