Mysore : Chief Minister Siddaramaiah shared his memories of his association with Srinivas Prasad, saying that despite being in different parties, Srinivas Prasad and I had a good friendship and companionship, and despite political differences, their friendship never got affected.

He was addressing a tribute and memorial program for politician Srinivas Prasad who died recently

Earlier, Srinivas Prasad from Janata Dal Party contested in the Lok Sabha and then Assembly elections and won those elections. After this Srinivas Prasad joined the Congress party. Even though Srinivas Prasad and I belonged to different parties, we had mutual friendship and respect. He had friendship and association with many leaders from different parties. He was a gentlemen full of humanity. He was a follower of Dr. Ambedkar’s ideologies, he said.

Political comments are natural
Srinivas Prasad had great respect for the constitution. He believed in giving equal opportunity to the underprivileged regardless of caste and was committed to the constitution. Those who believe in the ideologies of Buddha, Basavanna and Gandhi will always respect humanity. People should have mutual respect and should not hate. Although it is natural to criticize each other due to political differences, our friendship has never suffered. Recently after Srinivas Prasad retired from politics, I met him along with some of my colleagues. In half an hour’s meeting with him, our old friendship was rekindled. There was no political talk between us. But Srinivas Prasad had said that ‘my self-esteem was affected in politics’, the CM explained.

If there is no self-respect, one might become a victim of slavery

Dalits, backwards, minorities and poor should have self respect. We can live as human beings only if we have self-respect, otherwise we will be enslaved. Srinivas Prasad was never a victim of slavery and fought for social justice. A great political link has been lost with the death of Srinivas Prasad who was a political statesman. The CM said that his ideologies should be ideal for today’s youth.