Jaya Karnataka launched

Don Muthappa Rai Turns "Dhani"

Another political party has jumped into the fray in Karnataka. Going by the launch - and the profile of its leader - it certainly believes that it is not going to be just another player in the game of politics.

Jaya Karnataka's mega launch on Sunday in the sprawling Freedom Park, HSR Layout, was an event that had no parallels in the recent past. "Is it Uppi's shooting? Or has Rajni dropped by?" curious onlookers wondered at first.

It's neither Uppinor Rajni, the name is Rai. Muthappa Rai. Till sometime ago, the name was taken in a fearful whisper, and invoked fear like no other. The underworld was his domain, but now Rai in his reformed avatar, is eyeing another battle. Rai is ready now to take on the Vidhana Soudha.

Yesterday, it was a battle within a war. Today, it is the same, but for a cause, for the people of Karnataka.
Jaya Karnataka entered the fray with a bang, simultaneously launching 109 state units in one go. Party sources said each assembly segment will have a president and a vice president, for seven segments. A well attended procession of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari on an elephant was taken out from Bommanahalli to HSR Layout, to the accompaniment of a boisterous dholu kunitha.

The crowds surged towards the mammoth dais to have a glimpse of the Don-turned-Dhani (saviour, in Kannada). In a major p.r. exercise, the party gave away books and bags for poor students, sarees for widows, blankets for the old and the aged.

On the dais were a few heavyweights - veteran actor Ashwath, a smattering of Swamijis, viz. Sri Kumarachandra Shankarnath Maha Swamy, Sri. Anantha Murthy Swami and Smt. Thimmakka, Rajyotsava awardee. The entire ground was covered, and the public were given food packets and mineral water. The people gaped at the battery of black cats and high security ring thrown around the Leader, and his supporters all of whom were dressed in black T-shirts and black pants.

Finally, the Moment came when Muthappa Rai made a dramatic entrance , driving a white Toyota Lancer all the way up to the dais. Some enthusiastic volunteers fell at his feet, while Rai himself did the same, seeking the blessings of the elders present.

Addressing the large and vociferous gathering, Muthappa Rai spoke like a seasoned politician, despite being a novice in public life. He pledged that his party would be dedicated to the cause of Kannada, and the welfare of the people of Karnataka. The party would fight corruption to the hilt, and be proactive and people oriented, while not seeking the support of any other political party, he declared.

Interestingly, Muthappa Rai urged his supporters to shun violence and said his party would preach and adopt the Gandhian path of non-violence.

Some of the announcements made by Muthappa Rai:
• Projects for Kannada cause and rural development.
• Forum to sink 100 bore wells in villages.
• Pledges 75 % of his income for social causes.
• No membership for criminals in his Forum.
• All agitations would be peaceful and non-violent.

Among those who joined the party and activists were R. Nagesh, Ramesh Gowda, Prakash Rai, M. Rame Gowda, K. Dilip Shetty, V. Sathayanarayana Rao, Dinesh Kamath, Jeevithesh Shetty, Madukar M, H. Venkatesh Reddy, Aaji Ameed, Mohammed Afsar, Mohammed Aqbar, R. Areeif, Shafeeq Ahammed, Mohammed Jaya Ulla, Areef.

Will Muthappa Rai succeed in this battle for people's support? Watch this space.