Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jan 25: Karnataka revenue minister R Ashok, said that astrology has not been banned as per Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Act, as it has been proved to be a science. At the same time, he hastened to add that persons found duping gullible people in the name of astrology will not be spared.

He was speaking after administering oath to officers and other staff at Vidhana Soudha on the occasion of National Voters Day on Friday, January 24.

R Ashok

Ashok asserted that complaints of cheating in the name of astrology will be probed and strict action will be initiated against people found guilty. He said that people associated with the JD(S) and the Congress are adept at frequently seeking astrological predictions as they are found to be visiting the houses of well-known astrologers. "Therefore, we have decided against banning astrology," he said by way of wry comment.

He expressed the opinion that superstitions in all religions where violence is involved should end forthwith. "When Siddaramaiah-led government attempted to enforce anti superstition act, we opposed it as they raised religious matters. But we fully support initiatives like banning practices like the one in which children are tossed over a heap of thorns," he added.

When questioned about ministry expansion, Ashok said that senior leaders of the party have not been obstructing the expansion but chose not to comment on the question about the post of deputy chief minister. He said that the chief minister will keep his promise of offering ministerial posts to legislators who left other parties and joined the BJP and reiterated that the high command too is not opposing it. "I have discussed this issue with five people. Yediyurappa will discuss with national president of the BJP J P Nadda, and fix date for ministry expansion," he said.

On this occasion, Ashok revealed that a proposal to rename posts of deputy commissioners of districts as district collectors is under active considerations. In many states, they are known as collectors. He said in almost all the states, officers of this rank in sales tax and excise department are known as deputy commissioners but officers heading the district administrations are known as collectors. He clarified that a final decision will be taken after holding discussions with the chief minister.