Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Feb 19: Muneer Katipalla is a well-known name in the district in political and activism circles. He is presently the state president of Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI). Muneer had earlier contested the 2018 Karnataka Legislative Assembly polls and lost. Being the state president of DYFI, Muneer has many objectives. He says, “Being a state president, there are a lot of responsibilities and aims. Our state’s youth are not motivated enough to raise voice against unemployment and right towards education. DYFI is not limited to one section. We give more importance to backward sections, Dalits and suppressed communities, taking them forward and creating social awareness.

Muneer, in an in-depth interview with Daijiworld editor-in-chief, Walter Nandalike on Daijiworld 24x7 channel's ‘Rough and Right’ programme, speaks about DYFI, issues faced in the district and the campaigns undertaken to protest against them.

Excerpts

DW: DYFI is associated with the Left, but in recent days it is seen coordinating with the Congress.

Muneer: DYFI was always against the Congress’ ideologies and economic policies. Now things have changed. Earlier, the Congress encouraged investors and they developed. Now everything is under the clutches of corporates. Due to the widespread right wing ideologies and communalism, the nation is turning into a capitalist country. I still oppose the Congress, but as a party it is not a communal one but has a secular ideology. The party even is concerned about backward communities.

In the district, we are in a situation where there is no opposition for any faulty policies of BJP, be it petrol price hike, toll gate issues, privatisation, bank merger and so on. There is a need to bring everyone together who oppose such policies. So as an opposition, the Congress also comes together to raise its voice. This is not a coalition but mutual understanding to fight against such policies.

DW: Through DYFI, you are involved in several protests campaigns. Is it only limited to campaign or is there any political aspiration behind it?

Muneer: I believe in communist ideologies and my priority is transforming the society. There should be no atrocities over caste, religion and economic status and everyone should live a good life. In the last assembly elections, I contested from Mangaluru North. It was not because I wanted to become an MLA, but if I win, I can raise my voice in the assembly.

DW: Any hope of victory in the protest campaigns you hold?

Muneer: The society has not seen changes overnight. It’ is more like a marathon or relay. Why did Bhagat Singh die at a young age? After his death, why did other youths join the freedom struggle? Because of the sacrifice of freedom fighters, we are enjoying this independence. There is no need to be disappointed as we have seen success in many of our campaigns. Since two months farmers' protest is on and they have not given up. Three farm bills are implemented, and the electricity board is being privatised which affects the farmers as a prepaid system will be implemented. If multinational companies go for contract farming agreements, farmers cannot sell their products to anybody else. Even now there is no clarity on MSP from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Till when these corporate companies will give more
money than MSP is the question.

DW: In our district, there are a lot of farmers who do not have any problems. But DYFI and Congress have problems with it. Where are the real farmers then?

Muneer: The problem is people lack political consciousness and are in illusion here. The district has the highest arecanut growers. Rubber rate has come down, while areca rate is on the rise. Rubber growers are in dire straits, while areca growers seem to be happy. Some elements are trying to divert the minds of people. BJP has kept the Dakshina Kannada district rural farmers under their clutches in the name of religious and emotional politics. Hence, the farmers in the district have not come to the streets.

DW: Please tell our viewers more about the toll gate protest.

Muneer: ‘We have continuously raised voice against the temporary toll gate at Surathkal. When Surathkal toll gate started operating, they assured that it will be only for six months. And once Hejamady toll gate starts functioning, Surathkal will be merged with Hejmady. In January 2018, the state government approved to merge Surathkal and Hejmady toll gates, but still it is not implemented and Surathkal tollgate is continuing functioning. We demand Surathkal toll gate to stop operating. With FASTag made compulsory, even local vehicles have to pay the toll charges. We will not allow scrapping of toll fee concession for local vehicles. We will not allow toll collection from the local vehicles after FASTag is made compulsory. MP Nalin Kumar Kateel assured that several times. Why is it not possible? He is a three term MP and BJP is in power at both state and centre. He can solve this problem immediately if he wants to. To maintain goodwill with Navayuga, MP Nalin is not taking an initiative to solve the problem. When there was a coalition government in power in the state, Mangaluru North MLA Dr Bharath Y Shetty said that he will break the toll gate if they collect money from local vehicles. Why is he silent now? Just to maintain goodwill with Navayuga, the toll gate has been saved. We will not accept it at any cost.

DW: Only one section of the community seems to support you. Why you are failing to receive mass support?

Muneer: These days, it is easy to become a leader. If a person has money he will put up flexes all over the city and become famous overnight. Even organizations receive funds and they also use caste and religion for political gain. In the district, we can see ‘Thant’ word these days. Against whom they want to clash? There are several issues in the district to clash (Thant) such as privatization, unemployment and so on.

DW: How is your relation with SDPI?

Muneer: SDPI and BJP are same for us. Both parties protect each other. While SDPI are contracted to protect Muslims, BJP are contracted to protect Hindus. But in reality, they protect none and hence we oppose both the parties. Due to their clashes, real issues are being diverted and this is not right. All sections of the society should get united and fight against the system in which we are in the district. Both the parties give statement against each other and send youths to jail. On the other hand, they will form coalition in panchayat and be safe.

It is easy for Muneer to be a Muslim leader. If I deliver speech saying I will protect religion, I will be a leader for 1,000 people and will be glorified on social media. I do not need that. It is ok if we are slow. We will do real and sincere politics. Since 20 years I am in social life and there is no black mark on it till date.

DW: Regarding toll gate issue, you said that you are ready to go to jail. Fuel price hike is also a big issue are you not ready to go to jail for it.

Muneer: Protests should be held all over the country regarding fuel price hike. DYFI held protests in every taluk regarding the same. As per our capabilities, we have raised our voice. We are shocked to notice that people are not speaking about it when the price is Rs 90 for petrol. Even LPG subsidy is cancelled.

DW: Your fight is limited to only holding flags at DC office.

Muneer: What else we should do?

DW: Need to go to jail.

Muneer: I do not have any hesitation in going to jail as I have been to jail earlier. There is no use if Muneer alone goes to jail, people should come together.

DW: It was possible for you to convince Congress. You can convince other parties too.

Muneer: Is it possible to convince BJP?

DW: What about SDPI?

Muneer: BJP and SDPI are like brothers. Let them be happy.

DW: Recently you gave a statement that Koti-Chennayya is not limited to one community but belongs to every community.

Muneer: Koti-Chennayya are the one who fought for the rights of land and against caste bias. People from Tulunadu including Bearys were in his force and ‘garadi’. He is not limited to the Billawa community alone. Koti-Chennayya fought against the feudal system. Why do we have to see that Koti-Chennayya is only limited to the Billawa community? On the other hand, we can see some conspiracy against the Billawa community as they are seen separately in the society. Everyone should respect Koti-Chennayya for the fight they took up, the reason behind their death and respect their vision.

Watch Full Interview: