Mysuru: Student movements, which played a vital role in shaping future leaders, were suppressed by former Chief Minister late Ramakrishna Hegde, said MLC A.H. Vishwanath.

Speaking at a condolence meeting of Kannada activist M.N. Gopalakrishna, organised by the Kannada Cheluvaligarara Sangha at Patrakarthara Bhavan yesterday, Vishwanath highlighted how various political and social leaders emerged from Dalit, student and farmer movements over the past decades. He noted that these movements were instrumental in the downfall of the R. Gundu Rao-led Congress Government in Karnataka.

“After assuming office, Ramakrishna Hegde abolished student associations in colleges, universities and other educational institutions to prevent rebellion. He also weakened the farmers’ movement. These movements once acted as watchdogs of State politics, but they have now lost their voice. Today’s youth lack the ability to question authority, allowing the Government to function arbitrarily and neglect welfare programmes,” Vishwanath added.

Paying tributes to M.N. Gopalakrishna, Vishwanath emphasised the activist’s immense contributions to pro-Kannada movements and stressed the need for such leaders in society.

The event was attended by Kannada activist Muguru Nanjundaswamy, District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Maddikere Gopal, social worker Raghuram Vajpayee and others.