Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai Monday caught people’s attention when he made an unexpected house call to a retired senior journalist in Hubballi. But more noteworthy was the photo moment it led to — the CM touching the former journalist’s feet.
The journalist is M. Madan Mohan, who worked with The Hindu for 48 years since 1958. Through his career, Mohan has seen Bommai right from his days as a student and his transition to an active politician, and now CM.
During the visit that lasted for more than an hour, Bommai thanked Mohan for playing a key role in his political journey. He also acknowledged all the journalists who tracked his career and wrote about him.
Speaking to ThePrint, Mohan recalled: “I was a friend of his father’s and a fatherly figure to him. The culture of seeking blessings from elders has always been present in Bommai. It hasn’t changed even after he has become the chief minister.”
While this was the first time Bommai was calling on Mohan as CM, it was not the first time he was visiting his home. The CM touched the feet of both Mohan and his wife to seek their blessings.
“I am very happy to see him in the chair that his father held before. I wished that he remains in the chair for a long time, especially because his father could barely complete a year,” added Mohan, who had retired in 2005.
Bommai was all praise for Mohan, and even took to social media to share it.
Wonderful to have met @the_hindu's senior Journalist Shri Madan Mohan ji today and spent time discussing various issues.
Madan Mohan Ji's experience with words and the world of news is deep and insightful and it is always a privilege to listen to him. pic.twitter.com/7Z2X0diCP1
— Basavaraj S Bommai (@BSBommai) September 27, 2021
For Mohan, Bommai’s gesture has been touching.
“I have kept a distance from politics ever since my retirement. But Bommai’s visit made me very happy and proud,” said Mohan, adding that his advice to the CM was to do the right things while in power.
The last time Bommai’s non-political actions received any attention was when a video of him bidding a tearful adieu to his pet, Sunny, was shared on social media soon after he became CM. A video of his family singing and congratulating him after being appointed CM also raised some interest on social media in July this year.
(Edited by Manasa Mohan)