The CM who was a gastronome

MYSORE: On the occasion of the demise of former chief minister Sarekoppa Bangarappa on Monday, a restaurant here, which was the favourite haunt of the former CM, recollects its association with him. The Ramya Drive-In Restaurant proudly displays a photograph of the former CM having breakfast here; its proprietor G G Mahendra says that Bangarappa was drawn to the cuisine served here and would make it a point to visit the hotel during his visits to Mysore at least once even if he was lodged in a five-star restaurant.A banyan tree located inside the hotel’s premises was the politician from Sorab’s favourite haunt, where he has held many a press meet during his political career. Bangarappa was invariably accompanied by former Mysore Urban Development Authority chairman Govindaraju during his visits here.“His favourite dishes were the bonda-sambar, masala dosa, dahi vada and badam halva. After his morning exercise and breakfast, he used to play tennis here regularly,” a visibly upset Mahendra adds. He recollects that Bangarappa’s last visit to the restaurant was the day he joined the JD(S). “All he had ordered then was a cup of coffee.”