Gorur Ramaswamy Iyengar Gopinath (Capt. G R Gopinath), who founded the country’s first low-cost carrier Air Deccan, is now training his sights on a political career. The former Army veteran told reporters at his residence in Bangalore on Thursday that the murky waters of electoral politics would be no less challenging, and he had decided to take the plunge after discussions with friends and well-wishers.
“I am yet to decide which seat to contest in Bangalore, but will decide this soon,” said Gopinath. “The country has witnessed traumatic events like the 26/11 attack in Mumbai, the economic slowdown and violation of human rights in Karnataka in recent times. This has prompted me to consider entering politics.”
He outlined a three-point agenda for his political foray — to fight terrorism, communal violence and divisive forces, and foster socio-economic development, particularly in infrastructure.
Gopinath had last contested elections in 1994, from the Karnataka Assembly seat of Kansi in his home district of Hassan. “I was a novice then, though the experience of trying to cover voters in 410 villages, and being pitted against the Congress and Janata Dal candidates, gave me an idea of the amount of money and clout required to win elections.”
Asked to rate his chances, Gopinath said that regardless of victory or defeat, the bigger goal of uniting people behind the common goal of discovering greater ethics and probity in public life was paramount. “It is not important that I win or lose. When good people take a stand and decide to enter politics, it is a strong statement against the existing system. I do not wish to take the high moral ground here, but let us remember that the best way to let evil triumph is for good people to do nothing. Active participation in the democratic process as candidates and as voters can help build movements and reinstate popular faith in the electoral system,” said Gopinath.
While a few political parties had approached him with expressions of support, Gopinath said he was not keen to push his prospects on a political plank. “Party politics is invariably linked to certain agendas or interests, which I do not want to be associated with,” he affirmed.
While there has been speculation that Gopinath will file his nomination for the Lok Sabha from either the Bangalore South or Central constituencies, he evaded all queries to this effect. The vice-chairman of Kingfisher Airlines, where he is the second largest individual shareholder, said he would be starting a website shortly to mobilise volunteers, gain feedback and initiate an SMS campaign to spread awareness on his candidature.