Noted writer, poet Chandrashekhar Patil passes away at 82
Bengaluru (PTI): Noted Kannada literary figure Chandrashekhar Patil popularly known as 'Champa' has died at a private hospital here on Monday morning, due to age related ailments.
He was 82 and is survived by wife, a son and a daughter, sources close to his family said. He was suffering from age-related ailments and was shifted to hospital last night as his health situation deteriorated, they said.
A poet, playwright, Patil had also served as President of Kannada Sahitya Parishat. An activist by nature, he was one of the foremost voices of Bandaya' genre of Kannada literature
He has participated in several literary and farmers movement or agitations including Gokak agitation, Bandaya movement, anti-Emergency agitation among others, and was a strong proponent of Kannada language as a medium of instruction in schools.
Patil, who was professor of English from Karnataka University, was the editor of the influential literary journal 'Sankramana', and had also served as Chairman of Kannada Development Authority.
He is recipient of Karnataka Sahitya Akademi Award and Pampa Award among others.
His popular works include poetries like- Banuli, Madhyabindu, 19 Kavanagalu, also plays like Kodegalu, Appa, Gurtinavaru, among others, including several essays. He also wrote in English like- "At the other end", which is an anthology of his poems.
Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai condoling Patil's death said his contribution to Kannada literary field is immense and his passing away has created a huge void.
Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, former Chief Ministers- Siddaramaiah, H D Kumaraswamy, several of Bommai's cabinet colleagues and political and literary figures have condoled Patil's death.
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Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
