Moily–Poojary reunion marks an emotional full circle in coastal politics

Moily–Poojary reunion marks an emotional full circle in coastal politics

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 2, 2026: Coastal politics is much like the slushy kambala field — it demands not only the passion to run for victory but also a constant watch on the rival pair beside you. The relationship between Veerappa Moily and Janardhana Poojary mirrored this reality. They were once a shrewd pair that ran together in the political kambala arena.

It was Moily who led Poojary into the corridors of Delhi, introduced him to Indira Gandhi, and signalled the green flag for his political journey. As this journey unfolded, staunch Congress leaders like Ramanath Rai and Abhayachandra Jain emerged as dependable pairs of bullocks after the thunderous run of Moily and Poojary. Rai and Jain always functioned in perfect tandem — each step of one matched by the rhythm of the other. But in recent times, it felt as though one bullock pulled uphill while the other moved towards water.

Janardhana Poojary was synonymous with the roaring call of the “Saala Mela” movement. His struggle to ensure banking access for the poor was nothing short of a major socio-cultural movement. Moily, on the other hand, was a technocrat who governed within the framework of policy and discipline — a son of Lakshmi who went on to receive the Saraswati Samman. Poojary was the mass leader who could directly sense the pulse of the people.

At times, clashes between the two were as intense as rival bullocks colliding in a kambala race. Whether those confrontations stemmed from intolerance or ambition for power remains a topic still debated on the benches of old hotels in Tulunadu.

When Poojary served as KPCC president, Moily ruled the State as Chief Minister. Such was the political climate then that even the Delhi high command listened attentively to these southern stalwarts. Yet, whenever personal egos intervened, the coastal political force appeared divided. Leaders like Ramanath Rai attempted to act as bridges between the two, often at personal cost. In the fast pace of politics, old friendships more often turned muddy than fertile.

After many years of silence, when these two stalwarts finally met face-to-face at Janardhana Poojary’s residence, at his own request, it felt as though time had reversed. The way Moily held Poojary’s hand and spoke reopened a bundle of memories. Those who witnessed the moment could not hold back tears.

It was pure affection. As they reflected on past mistakes and hasty decisions, a mature silence prevailed between them. Standing at the twilight of their lives, they now feel that the days spent standing shoulder to shoulder on the soil of the coast hold greater value than the thrill of occupying ministerial thrones in Delhi. Power, they seem to have realised, is like flowing water, while human relationships are enduring rocks.

Even today, leaders like Ramanath Rai and Abhayachandra Jain are reminded of their own political roots when they see these two together.

Like bullocks resting peacefully under a tree after the kambala race, or stepping aside having chosen not to run again, these two leaders are now calmly reflecting on their long journeys in retirement. In the pages of history, their names will forever remain etched as a remarkable confluence of friendship and conflict.