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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In ‘dry’ Gujarat, a liquor bottle seized every four seconds: Report
Ahmedabad: In Gujarat, where alcohol prohibition is in place, authorities have seized one bottle of Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) every four seconds in 2024, according to police data.
A total of 82 lakh liquor bottles, valued at Rs 144 crore, were confiscated across the state. Of these, 4,38,047 bottles were seized in Ahmedabad city, Ahmedabad rural, and Western Railways' Ahmedabad jurisdiction, as reported by the Times of India on Tuesday.
Ahmedabad city alone accounted for 2,139 cases involving 3.06 lakh IMFL bottles, while 7,796 cases were linked to the confiscation of 1.58 lakh litres of countrymade liquor.
Authorities seized Rs 9.8 crore worth of IMFL bottles hidden in secret compartments of trucks and godowns in Vadodara rural. Additionally, police uncovered Rs 8.9 crore worth of liquor disguised as household goods in an interstate smuggling operation in Surat rural, added the report.
Navsari recorded a seizure of 6.23 lakh IMFL bottles traced to high-tech manufacturing units in neighbouring states, while Godhra authorities seized liquor worth Rs 8.8 crore. In Bhavnagar, law enforcement intercepted Rs 8.7 crore worth of IMFL and countrymade liquor concealed inside water tanks and beneath fresh vegetables.
A senior official told TOI that these raids serve as a reminder to smugglers that, irrespective of their innovative tactics, they will not be allowed to violate the law. “The message is clear: There's no room for the spirit of lawlessness in the land of Gandhi," the official asserted.
However, a retired Director General of Police (DGP) acknowledged that completely halting liquor smuggling is a massive challenge due to supply chains from neighbouring states. He emphasised the need for stricter action against local breweries to curb illegal liquor distribution.
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