Top men in the Janata Dal (Secular) are not particularly famous for fighting against gender stereotypes, but they never shy away from shedding tears in public, which “real men” are not supposed to do as hidebound traditions go.
Public show of emotion was at an all-time high on Wednesday, with tears rolling down the cheeks of three generations of leaders — party supremo H.D. Deve Gowda, his son and Public Works Minister H.D. Revanna, and grandson Prajwal Revanna. Videos of this scene were shared widely on social media and the Opposition BJP mocked this as “drama”.
‘Bless my grandson’
As the former Prime Minister sought people’s blessings for his grandson in the Lok Sabha polls, tears rolled down the cheeks of the third-generation leader of the party. Mr. Revanna was seen wiping his tears. By then, Mr. Gowda was already in tears, recalling his career as a politician.
Earlier, MLA for Shravanabelgola C.N. Balakrishna also wept at the programme. Mr. Balakrishna said he could not control his emotions the day when Mr. Gowda said it would be his last speech in Parliament on the last day of the budget session.
“I could not sleep that night. I can’t imagine politics without him. I wish he continues to remain in active politics and guide us,” he said, wiping his tears.
Mocking this, the BJP said in a tweet soon after, “If crying was an art, Sri. H D Devegowda and his family would hold the record for mastering the Art of Crying to constantly fool people for decades. Matter of the fact is before elections Devegowda & his family cries. After elections people who vote this family cries.”
A long history
In the long political career spread over five decades, Mr. Gowda has often wept in public. He is often referred to as someone with the skill to connect to the voters’ hearts through tears. Mr. Kumaraswamy too has often wept in public.
In July last year, Mr. Kumaraswamy wept at a party programme in Bengaluru saying that he became Chief Minister only to complete his father’s unfulfilled dream, but not for any personal gain. Even during the election campaign in 2018, Mr. Kumaraswamy wept many times in public meetings.
While addressing the workers at Mudalahippe on Wednesday, Mr. Gowda said he had been instrumental in bringing many leaders to politics over the years. “I have given representation to all castes and communities, yet people allege that I have supported only my family members,” he said.
Will he, won’t he?
It is not yet clear if Mr. Gowda will contest this election at all. On Wednesday, during his visit to Mudalahippe, Mr. Gowda gave different statements on this issue.
Earlier in the day, he said he had decided not to contest to avoid criticism of supporting dynasty politics. Addressing the public, he said he decided to field his grandson from Hassan as it would be difficult for him to work in the next five years as he did in the past.
Later speaking to presspersons, however, he said he had not yet decided on his contest.
