BJP will redistribute parliamentary seats in some states to strengthen itself: Dr Parakala Prabhakar
Mangaluru: On the occasion of Republic Day, renowned political economist and commentator Dr. Parakala Prabhakar delivered a keynote address at the Mahatma Gandhi Pratishtana in Mangaluru. The event took place at Tagore Park, Light House Hill, and saw Dr. Prabhakar express his concerns about the current state of governance in India.
Dr. Parakala Prabhakar, who served as Communications Advisor with a cabinet rank position in the Andhra Pradesh Government from July 2014 to June 2018, began his address by stating that India and its citizens are currently facing a crisis under the leadership of the BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He emphasized the need to bring attention back to the pressing issues faced by the nation, suggesting that distractions in the form of religious sentiments, focusing on temples and bhajans, have diverted the public's attention.
Addressing the concept of the 'double engine government', Dr. Prabhakar criticized the BJP's approach during state elections. He argued that seeking votes by asserting control both at the Centre and in the states is not a fair practice. According to him, if the party loses in a state, the Centre tends to neglect or overlook the grievances and concerns of that specific region.
Dr. Prabhakar urged the citizens to actively seek solutions to the prevailing issues. He asserted that the power to decide the fate of both state and central governance lies with the people. He encouraged voters to use their collective strength to bring about positive change and alleviate the crisis faced by the nation.
He emphasized the duty of citizens in safeguarding the Constitution of India and its foundational principles. Acknowledging the role that the Constitution plays in shaping the nation's democratic fabric, Dr. Prabhakar underscored the responsibility of every citizen to uphold the values enshrined in this sacred document. He articulated the importance of being vigilant against any attempts to undermine the democratic ethos and constitutional principles that form the bedrock of India's governance
Adding to his concerns, Dr. Prabhakar highlighted an anticipated shift in the political geography of the country. He claimed that the BJP is planning to redistribute parliamentary seats, concentrating more in certain states while reducing representation in others. This strategic move, he expressed, is geared towards bolstering the BJP's dominance in the parliament, potentially weakening the opposition and rendering it ineffectual.
Dr. Parakala Prabhakar's address called upon the citizens to be vigilant, proactive, and engaged in the democratic process. He emphasized the importance of the public's role in shaping the political landscape and urged them to exercise their voting power judiciously to address the challenges facing the nation.
Before addressing the gathering, Dr. Parakala Prabhakar paid tribute and homage to Mahatma Gandhi by garlanding his statue at the venue.
MLC Manjunath Bhandary, MCC Corporator AC Vinayraj, Ibrahim Kodijal, Dr. B Srinivas Kakkilaya and others were also present during the event.
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South African police arrest suspect in mass shooting that killed 12, including 3 children
Johannesburg (AP): A 32-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with a mass shooting which claimed the lives of 12 people including three children at an unlicensed pub earlier this month, South African police said on Monday.
The man is suspected of being one of the three people who opened fire on patrons in a pub at Saulsville township, west of South Africa's capital Pretoria, killing 12 people including three children aged 3, 12 and 16.
At least 13 people were also injured during the attack, whose motive remains unknown.
According to the police, the suspect was arrested on Sunday while traveling to Botlokwa in Limpopo province, more than 340 km from where the mass shooting took place on Dec 6.
An unlicensed firearm believed to have been used during the attack was recovered from the suspect's vehicle.
“The 32-year-old suspect was intercepted by Limpopo Tracking Team on the R101 Road in Westenburg precinct. During the arrest, the team recovered an unlicensed firearm, a hand gun, believed to have been used in the commission of the multiple murders. The firearm will be taken to the Forensic Science Laboratory for ballistic analysis,” police said in statement.
The suspect was arrested on the same day that another mass shooting at a pub took place in the Bekkersdal township, west of Johannesburg, in which nine people were killed and 10 wounded when unknown gunmen opened fire on patrons.
Police have since launched a search for the suspects.
South Africa has one of the highest homicide rates in the world and recorded more than 26,000 homicides in 2024 — an average of more than 70 a day. Firearms are by far the leading cause of death in homicides.
The country of 62 million people has relatively strict gun ownership laws, but many killings are committed with illegal guns, according to authorities.
According to police, mass shootings at unlicensed bars are becoming a serious problem. Police shut down more than 11,000 illegal taverns between April and September this year and arrested more than 18,000 people for involvement in illegal liquor sales.
