‘Maani Gopala maintained a clean image in politics’

Alva’s Education Foundation chairman M. Mohan Alva, on Saturday, said socialist leader Mani Gopala has maintained a clean image throughout his political life by fighting for truth, justice and righteousness.

He was speaking after releasing “Naanu Mani Gopala,” an autobiography by the leader in Kundapura, organised by Udupi District and Kundapura Taluk Kannada Sahitya Parishad.

Dr. Alva said Mr. Gopala was with the common man and fought for the poor as well as toddy tappers. One should have abundant courage and conviction to undertake such fights. He has been an icon of Kundapura, Dr. Alva remarked.

Kundapura MLA A. Kiran Kumar Kodgi said his family has had a long association with Mr. Gopala. Though belonging to different political ideologies, they have been maintaining a cordial relationship. Mr. Gopala had all the virtues to become an MLA, but did not have the ‘Yoga,’ the MLA remarked, adding he has been an “Ajathashatru”.

Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary said Mr. Gopala became the voice of the voiceless. When toddy tapping was banned, he fought with conviction, supporting the tappers, who did not even know how to put their signature. Because of the agitation led by Mr. Gopala, the then Chief Minister S. Bangarappa withdrew the ban in his first Cabinet meeting, Mr. Poojary recalled.

Former MP K. Jayaprakash Hegde said Mr. Gopala, who has been with people, should have been in the legislature.

Mr. Gopala recalled that Late A.G. Kodgi and B. Appanna Hegde were the doyens of politics in Kundapura when he entered politics. The socialist movement was not very strong at that time, following which he had to face defeats in Legislative Assembly elections, he said.

Mani Gopala and Girija Gopala couple, were felicitated on the occasion. Former Byndoor MLA K. Gopal Poojary, District Parishad president Neelavara Surendra Adiga, autobiography author Keshava Sasihithlu, and others were present.