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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Bengaluru, Mar 4 (PTI): Activist Snehamayi Krishna on Tuesday moved the Karnataka High Court challenging the single judge order refusing a CBI investigation against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the MUDA site allotment scam.
In his fresh petition, he appealed to the court to set aside the February 7 order passed by Justice M Nagaprasanna, who refused the CBI probe into the matter.
Krishna approached the High Court after the Lokayukta police gave a clean chit to Siddaramaiah and his family members in the MUDA site allotment case recently.
Krishna had been apprehensive about the impartial probe by the Lokayukta police.
In his petition earlier in the High Court, Krishna had contended that an impartial investigation is not possible since Siddaramaiah, being the chief minister, wields immense power and influence over the state departments, especially the state investigating agencies such as the police authorities and the Karnataka Lokayukta police.
Dismissing his petition on February 7, Justice Nagaprasanna said, "The material on record on its perusal nowhere indicates that the investigation conducted by the Lokayukta is partisan, lopsided or shoddy for this court to refer the matter to the CBI for further investigation or reinvestigation. As a result the petition would necessarily meet its dismissal and is accordingly dismissed."
Siddaramaiah, his wife, brother-in-law B M Mallikarjuna Swamy, Devaraju -- from whom Swamy had purchased a land and gifted it to Parvathi -- and others have been named in the FIR registered by the Lokayukta police establishment, located in Mysuru on September 27, 2024, following the order of the Special Court that exclusively deals with criminal cases related to former and elected MPs/MLAs.