Folk songs turn Siddaramaiah into a cultural icon

Hubballi: Amid criticism over some of his decisions, caretaker chief minister Siddaramaiah continues to receive appreciation from sections of society, with his political journey and welfare initiatives finding expression in Karnataka’s folk traditions.

Having served nearly eight years as chief minister, Siddaramaiah is closely associated with welfare schemes aimed at poorer sections of society. The slogan ‘Houddo Huliya’, raised in his support even inspired the title of plays staged by theatre companies in North Karnataka.

Now, several Dollina Pada, Hanti Pada, Muharram Pada and other folk art forms have incorporated themes based on his life, leadership and flagship programmes like Annabhagya, Shakti, Krushi Bhagya and Gruha Jyoti.

Arun Joladkudligi, assistant professor at Dr BR Ambedkar College, Kalaburagi, told TOI that Siddaramaiah’s contributions have become a recurring subject in performances across regions. “Since Dollina pada are mainly sung by Kuruba community, the Kuruba people have made him their cultural leader. However, Siddaramaiah has influenced all other backward communities. He is mentioned in many folk songs. Probably his rural and OBCs focused thinking and initiatives are reason for this adoption. In the post independence era, assassination incidents of Indira Gandhi and her son Rajiv Gandhi had got place in Riwayat or Muharram songs, which mainly focus on sad incidents. Later Siddaramaiah’s life and initiatives are reflected in Dollina pada,” he observed.

Pundalik Master Pujari, Afzalpur, who is wll-known for his song-‘Siddaramaiah hidadaana badavara kaiya’ (Siddaramaiah held poor people’s hand)-composed by Malahalli Siddu, said that he has sung this song at over 100 events in the last 5-6 years. “Apart from this song, more songs on Siddaramaiah are composed by Bagu Pujari of Afzalpur and Chiralkoppa Beeru. There is much demand for songs on Siddaramaiah in Belagavi, Solapur, Kalaburagi, Yadagiri, Raichur, and other districts. We often receive excellent response from public. We are happy to note that such songs are welcome by one and all irrespective of party affiliations,” he shared.

He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also got place in a few Dollina Padas.