Karnataka CM smells conspiracy to weaken Constitution through vote theft

With a slogan ‘My Vote, My Right,’ the State Government observed the International Day of Democracy at the Banquet Hall of Vidhana Soudha.

CM Siddaramaiah and ministers KH Muniyappa and HC Mahadevappa take a pledge at an event organised to mark the International Day of Democracy on Monday. (Photo | Express)

BENGALURU: The Congress government in Karnataka made use of the International Day of Democracy on Monday to give a push to the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Vote Chori’ campaign.

In a veiled attack, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah alleged that the BJP indulged in vote theft to retain power at the Centre.

With a slogan ‘My Vote, My Right,’ the State Government observed the International Day of Democracy at the Banquet Hall of Vidhana Soudha. Siddaramaiah, his deputy DK Shivakumar, and their cabinet colleagues appealed to the people to be cautious about ‘vote theft.’

“They (BJP) have taken the path of vote theft to retain power. Therefore, the slogan ‘My Vote, My Right’ is relevant in such a situation, as the votes should not be misused. Do not allow vote theft,” he urged voters.

The CM further said that a conspiracy has been hatched to weaken the Constitution through vote theft by vested interests, which must be prevented. “There was a time when the rich had power. But now, without any distinction between rich and poor, everyone has been given the power of one vote. Dr BR Ambedkar said, ‘One person, one vote, one value.’ There have been opponents of the Constitution since independence,” Siddaramaiah said.

DCM DK Shivakumar rides his bike at a rally held on the occasion.

Defending his government’s five guarantees, the CM said that spending over Rs 98,000 crore ensured economic upliftment and will result in eradication of caste system.

Shivakumar said that the ‘My Vote, My Right’ campaign has been designed to create awareness of democratic values and develop leadership skills among youth and students.

“The judiciary, executive, legislature, and media are the pillars of democracy. If we make a mistake, the judiciary is there to protect us. The press shows everyone’s mistakes to society. But today, some people have resorted to vote theft. There has been a lot of vote theft in our state as well. Rahul Gandhi has launched a fight against this,” Shivakumar, who is also state Congress president, said.

Social Welfare Minister HC Mahadevappa suggested that people should wake up to the challenges of intolerance against communities, communalism, and dictatorship.