Compromising the federal system
One fails to understand what PM Narendra Modi perceives himself as, and whether he has actually forgotten the fact that he is a Prime Minister to the federation of states called India or he is just pretending like that. There seems to be some illusion about the post he has occupied that he is the permanent king of this land called India. And that makes him assume all the state heads are his subordinate rulers while he is the undisputed emperor. Hence his way of treating other state heads is not conducive to democracy.
What we have here in India is a federal system. There are precise policies, conventions, protocols and practices to explain how the state heads must act. But the PM is simply violating most of them without even the slightest concern of how this would cause the federal system to be blown into smithereens. He had visited Karnataka in the recent days to participate in many events in Hubballi and IIT Dharwad. He laid foundation stones for some new projects. But the CM of the state Kumaraswamy was not invited to any of these events. Yet, as a protocol, minister Deshpande was present at these. State government has given 300 acres of land to Dharwad IIT apart from providing basic infrastructure. Yet, the CM of the state has been left out. What does this mean?
This was not some party event that happened in Dharwad. It’s an official one which should and must have the state CM being invited or being part of it. This protocol was not heeded to. Some time ago, when the PM dedicated the Kalaburagi-Bidar train route to the people of the region, he should have invited local MP Mallikarjun Kharge. But Kharge was kept out in order to humiliate him. This was widely criticized and the same thing has repeated in Dharwad too. The central government is acting with total callousness in non-BJP ruled states. PM’s behavior is affecting the federal system that we have. His conduct in West Bengal. Andhra, Delhi and Kerala is simply deplorable. He had sent the CBI team to arrest most senior police officer and that team was arrested by Bengal cops and was kept under detention.
None of this is a crowning glory to the federal system that we have. Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu is coming across as a personal enemy of PM Modi who is refusing to honour special status to Andhra that was assured to them during the state division in prior to 2014. Modi criticizes the Andhra CM in his own home state in a language that is unbecoming of a PM. BJP goons are launching attacks on Kejriwal. And the central government is safeguarding those attackers.
PM has been criticizing even the implementation of Supreme Court order to allow women to enter Sabarimala temple in Kerala because the state is governed by a left government. PM is calling for unrest in Kerala. This is not a right precedence to set with states that do not have BJP government. Such vengeful behavior is getting him black flag welcome in Assam. “Go Back Modi” has become a regular in many states wherever his visit is slated now.
Some time ago, Atal Bihari Vajpayee of the same party was the PM. Whatever may be his ideological differences with anyone, he maintained dignified relations with states. For instance if he had to appoint a governor to West Bengal, he would not take unilateral decision without consulting his ideological contrast, Communist to the core Jyoti Basu. W. Bengal was ruled by the communists for the longest time. Modi’s behavior is in total contrast to this. If this continues, this may cause irreparable harm to the federal system. Unless he mends it, it would not be good for the federal structure or to his own political journey.
India is a country with different languages, faiths and cultures. This is our diversity. We have a binding towards the constitution. Unity in diversity is our core commitment. If we try to make a uniform culture, faith and language, this country will be destroyed. Modi has got his education from the RSS Shakha. Now he is occupying the chair of the PM. He should not degrade the constitution and democracy of the nation. He needs to take the CMs of the state along, with respect. This alone can beget respect for him too.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
