Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Apr 22: "Today, despite significant technological advancements, it takes more than 60 days to complete the entire electoral process. Amidst this, the Prime Minister is proposing 'one nation, one election’. Considering that it already takes 60 days to complete one election, one can only imagine the additional time this proposed new system would require," remarked veteran Congress leader and former union minister Veerappa Moily.
Addressing the media on Monday, April 22, he further said, "No one should impose their personal vision on a nation, assuming people will vote only for them. There is an undercurrent of discontent among the populace, a state of democratic fatigue. In Nagaland, 4 lac people across 6 districts boycotted the election, distancing themselves from the NDA and BJP, despite Modi's assurances. The idea of 'one nation, one election' is being floated, accompanied by communal rhetoric against specific communities. Such statements reflect a dictatorial mindset reminiscent of leaders like Saddam, Mussolini, and Hitler. This approach does not serve the nation's best interests.
“Whenever faced with potential defeat, they resort to surgical strikes and nationalist fervour. However, this tactic will not be effective this time. Youth unemployment has surged, reaching 40%. In global rankings such as the hunger index and gender inequality, we have regrettably slipped down. India, once a contender alongside China, now lags behind as China emerges as the world's largest economy, overtaking the USA. Instances of crimes against women have alarmingly increased, while funds dedicated to addressing such issues, like the Nirbhaya Fund, remain insufficiently allocated.
“For the past 182 years, a census has been conducted every ten years. However, for the first time in 182 years, a census has not been conducted. There is an undercurrent of democratic fatigue flowing through the nation, and this is likely to erupt in the upcoming election.
He also expressed, "JP Hegde in Udupi-Chikkamagaluru and Geetha Shivarajkumar in Shivamogga will emerge victorious. In Shivamogga, BJP rebel leader Eshwarappa poses a challenge. We owe a debt of gratitude to both the Bangarappa and Rajkumar families.”
"We had proposed to include the Mogaveera community in the Scheduled Tribe category. The bill had been presented before the cabinet for approval, but it went pending due to the unavailability of a census registrar report at the time. If the BJP truly valued the Mogaveera community, why did they not pursue this initiative during their ten-year tenure?" questioned Moily.
Geetha Shivarajkumar, the Congress candidate for the Shivamogga-Byndoor constituency, expressed, "We have received strong support from the people. The issues facing the Byndoor and Shivamogga areas are distinct. We have devised a comprehensive plan for development, which we are committed to implementing. I am dedicated to collaborating closely with the people to address their concerns and bring about positive change."
KPCC camping committee chairman Vinay Kumar Sorake, former MLA Byndoor Gopal Poojary, Prasadraj Kanchan, Muniyal Udaykumar Shetty, working president Udupi district Congress Kishan Hegde Kolkebailu, and others were present.