From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Dec 25: KPCC Chief D K Shivakumar on Sunday called on the Archbishop of Bangalore Archdiocese, Dr Peter Machado and extended greetings to the entire Christian community, which has rendered immense service to the nation through its health, educational and social service institutions.
"I am honoured to get the blessings of the Archbishop," he said recalling that he had studied in a Christian school in Kanakapura before moving to Bengaluru and had taken part in a dance programme on the occasion of Christmas as a young student.
Speaking to media persons after meeting the Archbishop, he extended his best wishes to mining baron Gali Janardhana Reddy for his venture of starting a new regional political party and said in a democracy all have a right to take part in the political process, if necessary through political parties or starting their own parties.
"I can only extend my best wishes and wish him success. I hope that he will be able to serve society and people,’’ the KPCC chief said and made it clear that he does not like to criticize others, when they take their own political decisions.
Asked about Reddy’s criticism of BJP national leaders, especially union home minister Amit Shah, and praises for former chief minister B S Yediyurappa, the KPCC Chief said he does not wish to comment on Reddy’s political views. “I respect people who believe in the democratic process, constitution and secularism,” he said.
To a question on Reddy’s decision to contest from Gangavati constituency in Koppal district and whether the mining baron’s clout in Ballari district, would affect the Congress party, Shivakumar said it is too early to say anything or comment because the new party has to grow and find its roots.
Answering questions on the murder of a Muslim youth Jaleel in Surathkal and chief minister Basavaraj Bommai’s comment terming the murder as “action gets befitting reaction,” Shivakumar said Bommai has forgotten that he has taken oath to protect and uphold the Constitution and that he is the chief minister for the entire state and not just for one community or party.
“Bommai’s comment indirectly justifying the murder as action gets befitting reaction, is encouragement for moral policing and amounts to violation of his oath,” he said condemning the chief minister for his “irresponsible” comments and termed it as an insult to his constitutional position.
Asked about health and family welfare minister Dr K Sudhakar’s statement that Covid pandemic might get serious in February and March as assembly polls get nearer, the KPCC Chief wondered how the minister is making predictions.
The ruling BJP and the government tried to prevent the Mekedatu padayatra of the Congress in the State and now they want to obstruct Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra because they are unable to stomach its popularity and are making use of Covid as an excuse, he said demanding to know how the prime minister and BJP were holding rallies and programmes all over the country.
Shivakumar said the Congress party will go ahead with its plans to carry out the Bus Yatra all over the State, starting with a protest meeting on December 30 on the Krishna water issue and on January 2 on the Mahadayi issue followed by a convention of SC/STs on January 8 at Chitradurga. Nobody can stop us from carrying out the bus yatra, he announced.
Shivakumar also extended his support for the Karnataka State Primary Schools Teachers Association’s struggle against the New Pension Scheme and demand for restoring the Old Pension Scheme.