Bengaluru, October 11: Former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda suspected the alliance of non-BJP parties as an alternative force against the BJP for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in the country.

Inaugurating a programme “Present System-Situation”, introspection, organized to mark the Mahatma Gandhi- 150 and birth anniversary of Jayaprakash Narayan, at the Bharatiya Yatra Kendra here on Thursday, Deve Gowda said that it was the basic idea to bring together all political parties under one platform except BJP and Shiv Sena at the time of Lok Sabha election. As part of this, all non-BJP leaders were brought under a single umbrella during the formation of Congress-JDS coalition government in Karnataka. But he was doubtful about their unity for the Lok Sabha election, he said.

Amidst National Parties, the regional parties have been facing lot of problems. It was a big challenge to come together as a strong alternative force beyond all problems. But there was no need to disappoint. It was a good development that various socialist forces like Bharatiya Yatra Kendra have been trying to make it happen, he said.

Freedom fighter H.S. Doreswamy said that it was unfortunate that nowadays, incidents have been happening in the country to eclipse the humane personality like Mahatma Gandhi. At this situation, the organizers have been trying to introduce socialist thinkers like Gandhi, Lohia and Jayaprakash Narayan to the youth, he added.

Former MLA YSV Datta said that during emergency, lot of socialist leaders like H.D. Deve Gowda, Jayaprakash Narayan and others were jailed. Then the youth were ready to any sacrifice for the country. Such situation should be developed now, he said.

Nowadays, the elected representatives have the single agenda of getting power and travel in government vehicles. They would not get respect just for having power. The life and deeds of Mahatma Gandhi, Lohia and Jayaprakash Narayan who held personality above the power, should be the inspiration for the younger generation, he said.

Senior journalist Srinivas Raju said that the senior politicians should record their experiences to help the next generation. This would help the youngsters to understand the present situation in the state and plan for future. Personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, Jayaprakash Narayan, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and others had established their ideology and stood for it strongly despite various problems. They had never fought for political power. They had thought about taking the Indian society to a greater height in every moment. Their life should be a model to the youth, he said.

Freedom fighter H.S. Doreswamy was given JP Award on the occasion. ‘Varthamana’ written by former MLA YSV Datta was released. Former MLA B.R. Patil, Chitrakala Parishat President Dr. B.L. Shankar, Member T.A. Sharavana and others were present.

“BJP should stop torturing the Congress-JDS coalition government formed under the Constitutional framework. Let the BJP leaders allow the coalition government to function for five years and Yeddyurappa work as an Opposition Leader efficiently”.

-          H.S. Doreswamy, Freedom Fighter


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Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Excise Minister R B Timmapur on Tuesday told the Assembly that the state government will bring in new laws with stringent measures aimed at preventing illegal sales of liquor. 

Pitching for stricter action against persons involved in selling Chloral hydrate powder, which is used to make illicit liquor, he said efforts are being made to bring it under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. 

"For 60-65 years no new laws have been brought in. Because the punishments are not stringent such illegal and criminal activities are happening. Measures are being taken to bring in new laws under a committee headed by retired IAS officer K P Krishnan. We will bring in strict actions under them," Timmapur said.

He was replying to Raichur Rural Congress MLA Basanagouda Daddal during the Question Hour. 

Stating that efforts are underway by the Excise and Police departments to control illegal liquor sales and register cases, he said, "Chloral hydrate powder is dangerous for humans, it is brought in small packets to make large quantities of illegal liquor from neighbouring Andhra."

He said that Chloral hydrate powder is not covered by the NDPS Act, adding that it should be brought under it. 

The state government will be sending a recommendation to the Centre in this regard. 

"If things don't happen, we will bring in a new law and take strict measures," he added.