Congress included, opposition parties need to unite
The results of five state assembly elections has given a new lease of hope to opposition parties, simultaneously descending a pall of gloom on BJP over its dismal performance. Had these states been won by BJP, the hope of Operation Lotus would have received some boost in Karnataka too.
Yeddyurappa would have started some ground work with a fond hope of being reinstated as the CM again. The mine mafia was all set to throw money around to ensure this would happen. But since these states gave their verdict in the opposite direction, the pipe dream of BJP leaders is now forced to remain. So these results have given the opposition parties a new hope to build something on.
A good unity and possibility of a coalition among them is all very inevitable now. Earlier, Communist leader such as Harkishan Singh Surjeet would take the lead in ensuring there is a good understanding between parties in such situations. There were leaders such as Jyoti Basu. But none of them exist now. Left parties aren’t playing a major role in the country’s politics. Hence, to bring the opposition parties together, Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu has set the ball in motion.
After the BJP assumed power in the centre, constitutional aided administration has been severely compromised upon. Premier institutions like CBI, RBI and the other autonomous institutions have also been meddled with, by the government.
At times like this, secular federations, organisations and parties have to come together to achieve a single objective and offer pro-people programmes to achieve some core goals. No single party can ever hope to tame the tentacles of this octopus called corporate sector that has encouraged the majority communalism along with funding the BJP.
But there are naturally many issues with such a coalition coming together. In the undivided Andhra, Telugu Desam and TRS do not have a conducive understanding with each other. Congress is the main opposition for the ruling left parties in Bengal and CPM in Kerala. They both are willing to come together against a common enemy. If the opposition parties come together putting behind their differences, they can defeat the communal BJP and its allies in no time.
But then if Modi succeeds in clinching the power second time over, the efforts to create an RSS-specific Hindu Rashtra will intensify with no holds barred. If this is to be stopped, the opposition parties have to come together. This should not be a convenient arrangement but an honest one. Former PM Deve Gowda has to take the lead in this. CPIM secretary Sitaram Yechury must allow such a possibility to take shape. Mayawati’s BSP is also thinking on those lines.
Now their Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh units have already declared their support to Congress to form the government. Stalin of DMK, Chandrababu Naidu and TSR also have a very significant role to play. BJP may have lost in five states, but it will not keep quiet in Lok Sabha elections. The coming together of opposition parties is inevitable if the country is not to be submitted to fascists.
Congress needs to change its approach. It is going back to a lethargic approach soon as it has delivered a victory. It forgets the danger communal forces pose to the society and makes space for only opportunists. Former CM Siddaramaiah has said this is not the time to celebrate victory but to stand firmly against communal forces and fight them back. Congress has to strengthen its base of activists and party workers at cadre levels. They have to be informed about the secular credentials of the party. It should not stick to the dual stance it is exhibiting in the case of women’s entry into Sabarimala in Kerala where Congress seems to have joined hands with BJP to keep women out against the SC rule. This is opportunistic politics. Congress must think about a united opposition front at times of challenge like this.
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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.”
