Criminalisation of politics has to end
Politics has come a long way from the one that was practiced by Gandhi, Nehru and AKG. It has been at least three decades since money and muscle power has been dictating the terms of politics in the country. Our assemblies have become safe haven for criminals after globalisation, liberalization and privatization set in.
According to a report by the Association for Democratic Research one third of our politicians in both houses are facing serious criminal allegations against them.
About 35 % of the chief ministers are facing serious criminal cases. This news is very detrimental to India's democracy. In this context the Supreme Court has said the Parliament should draught a policy that would discourage people with criminal cases or background from contesting in the elections. General or Assembly Elections being Far Cry people are finding it difficult to even contest the local elections without the power of money and muscle in this background Supreme court's ruling is more than welcome.
Everybody Talks about decriminalising the politics. But nobody has the solution to achieve this goal. Which is why the Supreme Court has thrown this ball into the court of the Parliament.
People with backgrounds in real estate stone and sand mafias are easily winning elections. This is causing massive disturbance in the tectonic plates of democracy. This is the reason supreme court has to enter into the scene and protect the sanctity of a democratic process. Is criminalisation of politics has occupied Panchayat level elections to Parliament level elections as well. People spend crores to contest urban body elections such as panchayat or municipality. One cannot even imagine how much would the general and assembly election candidates spend on their campaigning and related expenses.
According to an estimate, on an average, each candidate could be spending more than Rs 30 crore on the least possible estimate. A liberal estimate would shock the sane people into distress.
The one who spend money like water will ensure they make at least 100 times more than what they were forced to spend to win elections once they assume power. Majority of them would most certainly have criminal backgrounds. It is not easy to get them on track. During the government that ruled Karnataka between 2008 and 2013, people with criminal background occupied vantage positions. The ones who ran Ballari republic had posed a serious threat to democratic mode of administration in the state. This mining mafia had used its office and power to cover its illegal activities. This is not restricted to Karnataka alone. Such mafias control the Democratic institutions across India and in some cases across the world too. Having tasted the heady power, this mafia tried to alter electoral process and win last elections. Even now they try to buy over elected representatives to upset the current government. This being the reality, cleaning up politics is not an easy task even when the Supreme Court says so.
When all houses and assemblies are filled with elected representatives with criminal background, it's not only difficult to control their existence but also the entry of more such persons into mainstream politics. Drafting a policy is just one part of the challenge. It is essential to bring integrated change in electoral politics. People or voters also have a duty of rejecting candidates with criminal backgrounds. Political parties should deny tickets for candidates with criminal background.
This is not just the question of politics but a larger issue of national interest as well. Today this country needs clean politics more than ever. The poorest of the poor, farmers, Dalits, and common people have strived hard to protect this country's democracy. People will have to take proactive approach towards cleaning up the politics of this country. This problem will never be remedied by elected representatives, if we leave it to them. People will have to ensure mining and sand mafia beneficiaries, real estate thugs and evil communal politicians do not enter the temples of democracy.
People have to be made aware of their responsibility in this regard.
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Eid celebrated with fervour across Karnataka
Bengaluru (PTI): Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety across Karnataka on Saturday, with thousands of people offering special prayers at mosques and Eidgahs, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
In Bengaluru and other major cities, people gathered in large numbers early in the morning to offer namaz, exchanged greetings of "Eid Mubarak", and visited relatives and friends. Markets wore a festive look, with brisk business reported in garments, sweets, and accessories in the run-up to the festival.
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, in his message, said, "May this Eid ul-Fitr bring joy, peace, and prosperity to all our citizens celebrating around the nation. As Ramadan month concludes, let us continue to cherish the values of compassion, generosity, and unity. Eid Mubarak to everyone!"
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who participated in a mass prayer programme, extended greetings to the Muslim community and underscored the importance of harmony and compassion.
"Praying for the welfare of humanity is essential," he said.
"Praying for the well-being of humankind is essential, and people should live with mutual love and trust, guided by humanity. India is a country of diverse religions and cultures, and in a nation marked by unity in diversity, everyone must live together harmoniously. No religion preaches hatred; all religions advocate love," the chief minister added.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, in a message posted on 'X', said, "May this Eid bring happiness and prosperity. Eid Mubarak!" Festive meals, including traditional delicacies such as Seviyan (vermicelli) and Biryani, were prepared in households, while charitable acts and distribution of food and alms marked the spirit of the festival across the state.
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