Date:16/08/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/16/stories/2006081605720400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Beware of divisive forces, Kharge tells partymen

Staff Reporter

Expresses concern over bid to destroy society's secular fabric

Bangalore: Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president M. Mallikarjun Kharge has expressed concern over the growing strength of forces that threaten to divide the country on communal lines and destroy the secular fabric of society.

Addressing a gathering of Congress workers after unfurling the national flag at the KPCC office here on Tuesday, he cautioned the people of the State to keep a watch on the forces attempting to break the unity and integrity of the country. Dwelling on the basic goals of the freedom struggle such as achieving liberty, equality secularism and communal harmony for the welfare and development of the people, Mr. Kharge said that some elements, which were inimical to these cherished national values, were at work to destroy the country's democratic foundation and weaken the social fabric.

Union Minister of State for Planning M.V. Rajasekharan, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly N. Dharam Singh and the former ministers D.B. Chandre Gowda, Roshan Baig, H. Vishwanath and Rani Satish participated in the function. They recalled the sacrifices made by tens of thousands of men and women for achieving freedom.

Some political leaders, Mr. Kharge said, were disinterested in achieving the national goals of removing inequality and illiteracy because of their craving for power. It was time Congress leaders, workers and sympathisers rededicated themselves to carry on the mission of party leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi and create an egalitarian society.

Recalling that the neighbouring Pakistan also got freedom when India became independent, the former Minister said democracy unfortunately gave way to dictatorship and the people there were under totalitarian rule. But thanks to the ever-vigilant people of India, democracy and social justice were working very well here, he added.