PM, ministers are CEOs of corporate companies: Dr SiddanaGouda Patil
5th May Literary Fest
Dharwad, May 27: Dr SiddanaGouda Patil alleged that the Prime Minister and Ministers of the country have been working as the CEOs of the corporate companies.
He was speaking on “power and farmers movements” at a two-day 5th May Literary Fest organized by the Ladayi Publication of Gadag, Chittara Balaga of Dharwad and Kavi Publication at Papu Auditorium here on Sunday.
Earlier, people believed that agriculture is for producing food grains and not for business. “Gandhi had divided the land for food, livestock and benefits of the state and he had listed the land for commercial usage in the last, if it is inevitable. But we have forgotten this. What the communists were doing as soon as they come to power was controlling the wars and nationalizing the land. Because they wanted that everybody should get the land”, he added.
Kayyur farmers movement, Kagodu Satyagraha, Land Reforms Act implemented in 1960, Telangana farmers movement and others were happened for the land. Earlier, those movements were held for ownership of land. But later, the farmers movements led by Prof Nanjundaswamy were held for protecting farmers culture and other rights. Corporate companies have been selling coriander leaves in their malls. Now, small farmers have to compete with these companies. Agriculture marketing system has pushed the small farmers on to the streets, he said.
Corporate companies have been purchasing the land for big amount or get the lease of the land for more than 15 years. They use more chemical fertilizer and pesticide and destroy the fertility of the land. In future, the farmers could not grow any crops in that land, he said.
It is unfortunate that the cinema stars and cricket players who have been promoting Coco Cola, Pepsi and other soft drinks have become the cultural ambassadors of the country. They would not promote any food grains grown by the farmers. If all the farmers organizations failed to protest such developments together, the entire land would the property of the corporate companies. Now, the farmers at a critical situation, he expressed concerns.
Activists BS Soppin and others were present.
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Won't contest bypolls until EC prevents fake voting: Mayawati
Lucknow (PTI): BSP chief Mayawati on Sunday alleged irregularities in voting in the recent Uttar Pradesh bypolls and said her party will not contest by-elections in future, particularly in the state, "until Election Commission takes measures to prevent fake voting".
By-elections to nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh were held on November 20 and results of it were declared on Saturday. Bahujan Samaj Party contested all nine seats but failed to win any.
"In the bypolls held for nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, there is widespread discussion about the votes cast and the results announced yesterday. I am not saying this myself; it is a common perception among people that earlier, during elections conducted with ballot papers, fake votes were cast by misusing the system, often through fraud," Mayawati said in a press conference here.
"Now, similar practices are being carried out using EVMs, which is a matter of deep sorrow and concern for democracy," the former UP chief minister said.
Not only this, but these activities are now being executed more openly, especially during by-elections, as opposed to general elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, she claimed.
"We recently witnessed this in the Uttar Pradesh bypolls. Similar concerns have also been raised regarding the recent general elections in Maharashtra. This is a major warning bell for democracy in our country," she said.
"Given this situation, our party has decided that until the Election Commission of India takes strict measures to prevent fake voting, we will not participate in any by-elections across the country, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. I am specifically referring to by-elections here," Mayawati said.
As far as general elections are concerned, she continued, there is a somewhat better safeguard because the fear of power changing hands makes the ruling party more cautious.
"In general elections, it is not guaranteed that the party in power will return to power and another party may take over. This fear keeps the government machinery somewhat restrained," she added.
Considering all these factors, our party will contest general elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies with full preparation and strength, Mayawati stressed.
In the bypolls, the BJP and its ally RLD together won seven seats while Samajwadi Party candidates emerged victorious on two.
