CM Chavan and External Affairs Minister Krishna arrive late, delay Bhimsen Joshi's cremation by over 2 hours
CM Chavan and External Affairs Minister Krishna arrive late, delay Bhimsen Joshi's cremation by over 2 hours
People from all walks of life came to pay their last respects to Pandit Bhimsen Joshi after his death yesterday. The funeral was delayed by more than two hours because politicians did not reach on time.
Even Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, who came from Bangalore, had joined the funeral procession by 1.45 pm, but state Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan came only after 3 pm. 
The family of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, including hisu00a0u00a0youngest son
and singer Shrinivas Joshi (in kurta) wait at Vaikunth for the
CM's arrival; Karnataka CM B S Yeddyurappa; fans at Joshi's residence;
the police band and squad for gun salute at the funeral; finally, CM
Chavan and External Affairs Minister Krishna arrive.
PICS/VIVEK SABNISu00a0ANDu00a0JIGNESH MISTRY
Panditji died at 8.05 am yesterday; the cause of death was septicemia with multiple organ failure and acute renal failure. He is survived by three sons, a daughter and grandchildren.
There were thousands of people from the city and its outskirts who came to pay their last respects to the Kirana Gharana maestro.
The aggrieved family of Panditji had to show patience and wait till the arrival of political bigwigs for the funeral. According to protocol, senior politicians were expected at the funeral of Joshi, a recipient of the Bharat Ratna in 2008.
Upendra Bhat, a disciple of Pt Joshi said, "We are delaying the cremation only because of a telephonic assurance from the CM's office that he is reaching Pune by 2 pm. We had never expected such a delay."
According to the police who were present for bandobast duty, the CM did not leave Mumbai till 3.55 pm, whereas the funeral procession began from Kalashri bungalow, the residence of Panditji, at 2.30 pm. Chavan was unavailable for comment.
Even the police band and the squad for the gun salute were waiting for Chavan and External Affairs Minister S M Krishna. "It is embarrassing when we have to wait for politicians at such an event. It was difficult to control the crowd at Vaikunth crematorium," said a police inspector present at the spot.
Since the procession was already delayed, the condolence meeting started even before the cremation.
People were also surprised that Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who was in the city for a hotel launch a few days ago, did not attend the condolence meet.
Congress Member of Parliament from the city Suresh Kalmadi remained absent. Kalmadi sent a letter of condolence to Joshi's family. When contacted, Ajit Pawar, who was in Kolhapur, said as the CM was present, there was no need for him to be there.
I am fortunate to have enjoyed my father Anna's love for so long. I can see how great and popular he was as people from all walks of life have shown respect and affection for him
Raghvendra Joshi, Elder son of
Pt Joshi
I was closely associated with Pt Bhimsenji for the past six decades and he was a great and a strong father figure for me and many others. It will be really sad to celebrate Sawai Gandharva Music Festival without him in December this year
Dr Prabha Atre, Veteran singer
u00a0
My long association with Pt Joshi has finally came to an end with his sad demise. He was informal and loving towards me. He used to speak and discuss many issues with a studious approach and concern. I am so sad that he is now no more with me
Geetanjali Hattangadi, Neighbour
u00a0
Pt Joshi was my indirect guru as he taught my guru, Pt Nerulkar. I like the style of Kirana Gharana singing and was trying to adopt it by keeping Pt Joshi as my idol. I feel so sad and helpless, I have really lost my own father in the field of music
Shubhangi Joshi, Classical singer from Aurangabad
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Pt Joshi was my real inspiration. He took a lot of pains to teach me his style of singing. It was really my privilege that I could get his guidance and also earn my name as a singer
Anand Bhate, IT professional and singer
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