CM Yediyurappa calls on public representatives to introspect
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Wednesday said democracy can be successful only if public welfare is the primary goal of every elected representative, as he called on them to introspect.
"Both the ruling party and opposition have to work with caution so that no untoward incidents happen in the legislative assembly and the council, but as public representatives we have to question ourselves whether we are following it, we have to introspect," Yediyurappa said.
"Our conduct should be such that it shows the path for the future generations, if we are always conscious about this, mistakes won't happen," he said adding successful implementation of democracy is possible with good traditions and practices.
The CM was speaking at a meeting on the topic "An introspection-preventing the decline of parliamentary values", organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Karnataka Branch, here.
Noting that in today's juncture the social values are deteriorating, he said, "if the last person in the society has to get the government facilities, public representatives have to look at everyone equally."
An inclusive society is possible only when common good is seen above individual interests.
Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, Assembly Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri, Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah were among others present at the event.
Public expect their representatives to be the voice of those who are exploited and downtrodden, and the bearers of the values enshrined in our constitution, Yediyurappa said.
"Democracy can be successful, only if public welfare is the primary goal of every elected representative," he observed.
"Before independence our political stalwarts were such that they used to think that their existence was for the sake of the country, it is unfortunate that post independence political stalwarts started thinking that the country is there for them, as a result we have reached this sorry state," he said.
Protecting the dignity of the house (assembly/council), is the duty of every public representative, the Chief Minister said as he spoke about strengthening the democracy and responding to the needs of the people, by ensuring a pro people administration with the help of powers wested constitutionally.
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Two held for 'firing' at BJP leader's house in Bengal
Kolkata (PTI): A day before the counting of votes for the West Bengal assembly elections, two persons were arrested on Sunday for allegedly being involved in a firing incident outside the residence of a BJP leader in North 24 Parganas district, police said.
BJP leader Kundan Singh lodged a police complaint, alleging that a few gunmen fired at his house in the Noapara constituency around Saturday midnight.
Based on the CCTV footage, the two accused were apprehended, a senior officer said.
BJP's Noapara candidate Arjun Singh, in a post on social media, claimed that around 12.05 am, two armed miscreants arrived on a motorcycle at the residence of Kundan Singh, a BJP functionary and secretary of the Barrackpore organisational district, with an "intent to kill him".
According to the BJP leader, the accused are residents of Garulia and are known criminals.
Their names as offenders had been submitted to the Election Commission, he said.
The police officer did not specify whether the two arrested persons were the same individuals named by Arjun Singh.
According to the complaint, one round of firing took place outside Kundan Singh's house, triggering panic in the area.
The BJP candidate also questioned the role of the police, claiming that one of the accused had been detained by the police on the polling day but was later released in the evening.
The Noapara assembly seat went to the polls on April 29.
Several BJP leaders alleged that attempts were being made to create an atmosphere of fear ahead of the counting and weaken the organisation of the opposition parties.
The counting of votes will take place on May 4. Polling for the West Bengal assembly elections was held on April 23 and April 29.
The BJP urged the Election Commission to intervene immediately to ensure peaceful counting.
TMC candidate Somnath Shyam rubbished Arjun Singh’s allegation, claiming that the BJP nominee had orchestrated the firing incident to divert attention from imminent defeat.
“Arjun Singh knows all the gangsters in the Barrackpore belt. Everyone knows about his links with the underworld. Let the police investigate the incident,” Shyam said.
