Karnataka forms 2,500-km-long human chain to mark 'International Day of Democracy'
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka on Sunday marked the 'International Day of Democracy' by forming a 'historic' 2,500-km-long human chain as a symbol of equality, unity, fraternity, and participative governance.
The massive human chain, which according to the Karnataka government will be the "world's longest", is being formed across the state from Bidar to Chamarajanagar, covering all 31 districts.
The state government has taken the lead in organising the large-scale event to mark the day in association with civil society.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah joined the human chain at the main event held in front of Vidhana Soudha, the seat of state legislature and secretariat here, along with senior Ministers and officials.
The CM led by reading the preamble of the Constitution, following which people from various walks of life, including transgenders and differently-abled people held hands to form the human chain.
Similar events were held in all districts of the state in which Ministers, public representatives and senior officials took part.
A world record verifying team from London will arrive for the innovative and massive event, officials said.
The human chain will be approximately 2,500 km long, and is said to be the "longest in the history of the world".
A total of 25 lakh people are expected to participate, with an average of more than 1,000 people for each kilometre, the government has said.
During the event, 10 lakh saplings are expected to be planted in the state by the participants, it added.
According to officials, the participants of the human chain will be given certificates.
Last year, the government organised a mega event of reading the Constitution's preamble as part of the 'International Day of Democracy' celebrations.
Since 2007, September 15th has been declared as the International Day of Democracy, which is celebrated globally. Proclaimed by the United Nations (UN), the day serves as a platform to promote and uphold the principles of democracy worldwide.
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'One Nation, One Election' against federal structure, practically impossible: CM Siddaramaiah
Bengaluru, Sep 18: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said, 'one nation, one election' is against the federal structure and practically impossible to implement, as he termed the Union cabinet's decision to accept the recommendation in this connection as a "gimmick" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cover up his failures.
The Congress party will oppose the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal, which carries the hidden agenda of the ruling BJP, both inside and outside the Parliament, Siddaramaiah said. The public opinion across the country is also against the proposed system.
Moving ahead with its "one nation, one election" plan, the union government on Wednesday accepted a high-level panel's recommendations for holding simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies in a phased manner after a countrywide consensus-building exercise.
"The One Nation, One Election proposal approved by the Union Cabinet is not only against the federal structure but also practically impossible to implement. The fact that such an important proposal is being rushed through without any consultation with opposition parties reveals the malicious intent of the Narendra Modi government," Siddaramaiah said in a release.
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It seems the central government and the Prime Minister lack even basic knowledge of what should be the priorities of a government, he said.
"Unemployment is rampant across the country, inflation is destabilizing the economy, and people are suffering due to rising prices of essential commodities. Law and order has broken down nationwide, with atrocities against Dalits and women reaching alarming levels," he alleged.
"Instead of addressing these pressing issues, the Prime Minister is trying to divert public attention with the gimmick of 'One Nation, One Election' to cover up his failures," he added.
In its report submitted to the government in March, just before the general election was announced, the panel headed by former president Ram Nath Kovind had recommended implementing "one nation, one election" in two phases -- simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies in the first phase and elections for local bodies like panchayats and municipal bodies within 100 days of the general election in the second phase.
It also recommended a common electoral roll, which would need coordination between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and state election commissions.
The 'One Nation, One Election' system ws entirely anti-democratic, the CM said, adding, the proposal offers no solution to the crisis that would arise if the ruling party in either the Lok Sabha or a state assembly loses a vote of confidence.
"In such cases, a midterm election is the only proper solution. Allowing a minority party that has failed to win a vote of confidence to remain in power would be a betrayal of the democratic system," he said.
The current Election Commission does not have the capacity or resources to conduct simultaneous elections for both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies across the entire country, Siddaramaiah said. The electoral system would need to be expanded to double its current capacity, which cannot be done in haste.
"For a new electoral system to be implemented, amendments must first be made to the Representation of the People Act. In addition, at least five chapters of the Constitution would need to be amended. Even for the NDA, it would be difficult to get the necessary support to pass constitutional amendments under the current system," he opined.
"Despite knowing all this, the Narendra Modi government has approved this proposal just to create confusion among the people and cover up its failures," he alleged.
