Belgaum: Rich tributes were paid to anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela by both Houses of the Karnataka Legislature with members saying he belonged not only to South Africa but also to India as he followed in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi.
Members observed a minute's silence as a mark of respect to Mandela, who died early today at his home in the Johannesburg suburb of Houghton due to illness.
Agriculture Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said Mandela was considered one among Indians as he followed in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi, an embodiment of non-violence and world peace. "We considered Mandela as one among us and therefore we bestowed on him the Bharat Ratna," he said.
Opposition JDS Leader H D Kumaraswamy said Mandela was a symbol of peace and non-violence and though he is no more, his legacy will refuse to die down till end of this world.
BJP Floor Leader Jagadish Shettar said, "He gave voice to the voiceless and was a champion who fought against the demonic apartheid regime in South Africa."
KJP President and legislator B S Yeddyurappa equated Mandela in the league of Mahatma Gandhi and B R Ambedkar, who fought for the rights of the suppressed people.
Congress member K R Ramesh and Sarvodaya Karnataka Paksha member K S Puttanaiah also paid tributes to Mandela.
In the Council, S R Patil, leader of the House, said the world has lost a great fighter who spent over 27 years in jail. The House observed a minute's silence and was adjourned for ten minutes.
Members observed a minute's silence as a mark of respect to Mandela, who died early today at his home in the Johannesburg suburb of Houghton due to illness.
Agriculture Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said Mandela was considered one among Indians as he followed in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi, an embodiment of non-violence and world peace. "We considered Mandela as one among us and therefore we bestowed on him the Bharat Ratna," he said.
BJP Floor Leader Jagadish Shettar said, "He gave voice to the voiceless and was a champion who fought against the demonic apartheid regime in South Africa."
Advertisement
Congress member K R Ramesh and Sarvodaya Karnataka Paksha member K S Puttanaiah also paid tributes to Mandela.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
7 Wickets In Less Than 6 Overs: Scotland Debutant Breaks Kagiso Rabada's Record, Makes History South African Police Uncover Multimillion-Dollar Meth Lab On Farm Not Rohit Sharma Or Virat Kohli: Babar Azam's 'Best Batter' Pick Leaves AB De Villiers Amused "You Will Be Isolated If...": Amid Budget Row, MK Stalin's Message To PM World's Most Powerful Passports List Released: Indian Passport Ranks At... Om Birla vs Abhishek Banerjee In Lok Sabha As Trinamool Shreds Budget 2024 Budget 2024: A Progressive Blueprint for Inclusive Growth And Development Government Says Fully Prepared To Respond To Any Biological Attacks War, Economic Chaos Defied Drive To End Hunger In 2023: UN Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.