Dr.Thomas (Special Correspondent)
*Rajiv Gandhi equipped Indians to face the challenges of 21st century :CM Siddaramaiah.
*Castes who were unable to even dream of Vidhana Soudha, could win and enter the Legislative Assembly because of Devaraj Urs:CM Siddaramaiah.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who equipped Indians to face the challenges of the 21st century,and the Devaraj Urs,who made the castes who were even unable to dream of Vidhana Soudha win and enter the Legislative Assembly, are the pioneers of democracy.
He was speaking at birth anniversary of Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and former Chief Minister Devaraj Urs,organized at the KPCC office, today.
Rajiv Gandhi who was a visionary leader reduced the voting age to 18 years.Through which he ensured that the youth could take part in shaping the future of the country and take up the great responsibility of strengthening the democratic system.
It was Rajiv Gandhi who opened the doors of participation for the youth and representatives of all castes and classes in all the fronts of the country.
Decentralization was implemented for the purpose.He amended the constitution and introduced reservation in local bodies.
Rajiv Gandhi was the first to expand the opportunity for women’s political representation on a large scale.All women in politics today should remember Rajiv Gandhi. He said that every woman of the country should understand that 50% reservation for women was made possible by Rajiv Gandhi.
Rajiv Gandhi revolutionized information technology and internet system in India.He had great dreams and programs of building a grand India and creating a society of social justice.
He explained that he was martyred while he was implementing these programmes and was buried in the soil of this land.His death has been documented a sacrifice,he said.
Only the Congress has the history of struggle, sacrificing and attaining martyrdom for the country and the integrity of the country.
BJP or the Sangha Parivar does not have this kind of history.The BJP has expertise at making grand speeches.BJP and Sangh Parivar have no role in the nation building process.He said that the country cannot be built with speeches alone.
Devaraja Urs had an unyielding devotion for providing justice to even the most marginalized people in the society.
He abolished the system of carrying human excreta and abolished the system of bonded labour.He formed the Havanur Commission to provide reservation for backward communities.He enforced the land reform act of cultivator is the landowner.
Devaraj Urs created a revolution by providing opportunities for representatives of castes who could not even dream of Vidhana Soudha to be elected and become ministers.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar,Ministers K.J.George,Madhu Bangarappa,Bose Raj,Chief Whip of Legislative Council Saleem Ahmed,MLCs B.K.Hariprasad,former minister,H.M.Revanna and other dignitaries were present.
