Karnataka - Madikeri

Curb criminalisation of politics: CPI(M)

Madikeri: B. Madhava, Karnataka State Committee member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), on Thursday underscored the need for putting an end to communalism and terrorism.

He was speaking at a seminar on “Communalism and terrorism” here.

The seminar was organised as part of the “Souharda Karnataka” programme to spread the message of camaraderie.

Communalism and terrorism were the two faces of the same coin. Violence by fundamentalists would undermine the unity and integrity of the nation, Mr. Madhava said.

Stressing the need to curb criminalisation of politics, Mr. Madhava said the designs of fascist forces could prove detrimental to the interests of the nation.

He sought to know the stand of Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray on terrorism. Mr. Thackeray had given a call for Maharashtra bandh to protest against the alleged ill-treatment of Sadhvi Praganya Singh Thakur who had been arrested in connection with the Malegaon blast case. Hindutva was not a religion, he said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party Government was encouraging communal elements, which had shattered peace in the State, Mr. Madhava alleged.

He referred to the recent church attacks in Mangalore and other places in the State. Industries were being shut down and workers were losing jobs and power crisis had worsened.

But the State Government was doing little to overcome these problems, he said.

The CPI (M) would organise a jatha to raise awareness among the people to fight the fascist forces, he said.

K.R.Vidyadhar, advocate, said the caste system was the reason for inequality.

Kunhi Abdulla, advocate, said that communalism had taken deep roots in Karnataka.

The rise of parochialism in the country was a cause for concern, he said.

Neravanda Umesh of the Congress spoke.

Vasant Kumar Hosamane of the CPI (M) welcomed the gathering.

P.R. Bharat of the CPI(M) proposed a vote of thanks.

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