Gauri Lankesh death anniversary: CM, admirers pay rich tributes

On her death anniversary, Gauri Memorial Trust held an annual remembrance programme. Various eminent personalities such as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, former education minister of Kerala, KK Shailaja and actor Prakash Raj attended the event.

A book named Nyayapatha was released as part of the event. Chief Minister addressed the gathering. "Lankesh met me several times but never asked for personal favours. She talked about tribals in Kodagu, communalism and welfare of women. Her father was a catalyst in my political growth. He had also been critical of me when I didn't follow his advice," he said.

Speaking about the progress in the case related to her death, he said, ,"500 people will act as witnesses. The day they face punishment is when we will do justice for her," he asserted.

Prakash Raj also spoke remembering Gauri as his friend. He  also made a reference to the death threats he had received which he said he has forwarded to Home minister Dr Parameshwar. Siddaramaiah assured that the police has been instructed to take strict action against anyone indulging in moral policing as incidents similar to Gauri Lankesh's death should not repeat.

Leader of the farmer's protest, Rakesh Tikait also addressed the crowd requesting the chief minister to set a minimum support price for sugarcane and vegetables.

Shailaja remarked on the Santhana Dharma controversy stating that they accept Vasudeva Kutumbakam as a principle but oppose the system of Varnashrama.