Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Mar 23: "An unarmed senior person, revered by the world, was killed by someone who disguised himself as a follower. Now, this man is being hailed as a hero—aren't you ashamed?" questioned former Assembly speaker Ramesh Kumar in Udupi.
He was speaking at the 'Gandhi Bharata' convention in Udupi, organized by Udupi and Brahmavar Block Congress at Mission Compound Grounds, aiming to spread awareness about constitutional ideals and counter alleged attempts to alter them.
Former speaker Ramesh Kumar strongly condemned the glorification of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassin, Nathuram Godse, calling it a matter of national shame.
He highlighted India's democratic resilience compared to neighbouring nations that faced bloodshed during power transitions. Emphasising the Constitution’s "motherly heart," Kumar criticised opportunistic politics and stressed that power gained through illegitimate means is unsustainable. His speech set the tone for the event, reinforcing the Congress party’s commitment to constitutional values and democratic integrity.
Comparing Indian democracy to that of neighbouring nations, he pointed out that while countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Egypt experienced bloodshed during power transitions, India remained peaceful. "There is no difference between a monkey that jumps from tree to tree for food and a politician who switched parties for power. In a democracy, one must accept both victory and defeat," he remarked.
"When you do not have a definite ideology, politics becomes just a process of sticking to power. The power obtained through illegal means will not last long. Democracy is an anchor. Every chief minister and prime minister must return to the people every five years to seek votes. This is the special feature of our Constitution," he added.
KPCC Campaign Committee president Vinay Kumar Sorake highlighted the ruling government's alleged attempts to amend the Constitution and divide society based on religion, caste, and language. "Karnataka is being deprived of justice in taxation, water, and other matters. The delimitation of constituencies is being conducted in a manner that hinders the aspirations of the Constitution," he said.
He also addressed the recent Malpe incident, stating that rather than resolving the issue lawfully, certain politicians were using it for political vendetta.
Former minister Jayaprakash Hegde also spoke, echoing concerns over recent incidents in Udupi that, according to him, have tarnished the district's image. Udupi District Congress president Ashok Kumar Kodavoor welcomed the attendees, while Brahmavar Block Congress leader Nityananda Shetty delivered the introductory speech.
Several key leaders attended the event, including Block Congress president Ramesh Kanchan, Prasad Raj Kanchan, Karnataka Mahila Congress spokesperson Lavanya Ballal, KPCC general secretary M A Gafur, and other Congress leaders such as Kishan Hegde Kolkebail, Muniyalu Udayakumar Shetty, Dinesh Hegde Molahalli, and Dinkar Heruru. Prominent women leaders, including KPCC spokesperson Veronica Cornelio, Mahila Block Congress president Geeta Wagle, and Mamatha Shetty, Udupi block congress president Ramesh Kanchan were also present.