Bangalore: Describing him as his “political guru”, a tearful Karnataka Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda today paid rich tributes to Higher Education Minister V S Acharya who passed away on Tuesday.

Overcome with emotions and fighting back tears, Gowda termed the 71-year-old Acharya as a statesman, a man of integrity and a party loyalist.

“He did not had a single black-mark in politics”, said the Chief Minister, his voice chocking. “He was duty-conscious till the last minute”.

“He is my political guru”, Gowda said, adding, Acharya’s guidance was responsible for his rise in politics and elevating him to this position (Chief Ministership) today.

 The Chief Minister was so emotional after paying his last respects to Acharya in hospital that he remarked: “He is no more with us today. But somehow, he (Acharya) will continue to guide us….I don’t know in which form or through whom….otherwise politics in Karnataka will not emerge in a good way”.

Gowda who is preparing to present his first ever budget next month, recalled that Acharya had promised him to help in drafting a “good budget” devoting at least ten days time for the exercise.

Gowda hailed Acharya, who also held the portfolios of Planning and Statistics, Muzrai and Information Technology and Biotechnology, for his in-depth knowledge of various issues and topics.