‘Awards have been given in honour of their contributions, so they should not return them’
Home Minister Dr G. Parameshwar addressing reporters in Bengaluru on Monday. Minister R. Roshan Baig and KPCC vice-president Prof. B.K. Chandrasekhar are seen
BENGALURU: Evidently perturbed over some intellectuals returning awards, home minister Dr G. Parameshwar on Monday said the state government is contemplating to convene a meeting of all intellectuals who handed back their awards.
Speaking to the media after releasing a booklet on PM Narendra Modi’s failure to fulfill electoral promises, authored by KPCC vice-president Prof B.K. Chandrashekar here, Dr Parameshwar said, “The state government is aware of the fact that gunning down of Prof M.M. Kalburgi is the cause of concern for intellectuals. Even the government is thinking on these lines, and so is considering the option of holding a meeting with them (intellectuals).”
The home minister added that awards had been given in honour of their contributions in respective fields, so they should not return them. While lashing out at BJP leaders for their comments about intellectuals who are returning their awards, KPCC vice-president Prof. B.K. Chandrashekhar charged statements of Union finance minister Arun Jaitley and other leaders of BJP over this issue were distasteful.
He added that Mr Jaitley had triggered a fresh debate on this issue. “How can a leader of Mr Jaitley’s stature be so insensitive to writers, intellectuals and directors who have been returning their awards? Any government for that matter must deal with such issues sensibly rather than make politically rhetorical statements to appease their leaders at the top,” he added.
Continuing the debate on ban on beef, Dr Parameshwar asked whether it would be to ban onion and garlic just because many do not eat them. “Be it dressing, food habits, languages, we have diverse culture. There are many sections who feel that beef consumption is a part of their food habit. So, it is inappropriate to seek a ban on beef consumption.”
Pointing out that consumption of beef had been part of the country’s tradition, Dr Parameshwar asserted that several tales and incidents in various Hindu mythological texts declare that such consumption was a well recorded practice in this country.
“The very issue over beef consumption raised by BJP leaders is nothing but an attempt to create communal tension across the country. Therefore, it is necessary to intervene and prevent communal harmony from being disturbed,” the minister added. Replying to a question, Dr Parameshwar said, “It was our party which had taken out padayatra prior to 2013 Assembly election, where we promised that moral policing will be dealt with an iron hand and our government stands committed on this front.”
‘Guv decision wrong’
Taking umbrage to Governor Vajubhai Vala organising Gujarati Samajotsava at Raj Bhavan, Dr Parameshwar said though there was nothing wrong in organising such an event, the occasion on which Governor chose to host such an event was wrong. “I am not reacting to this event as the home minister but as KPCC president, I strongly feel that the Governor’s decision to host such an event on Kannada Rajyostava was wrong.”
He added that Mr Vala should have chosen any other day but not Nov. 1 in Karnataka, and this had been questioned by pro-Kannada organizations.
Congress candidates’ list ready:
With the elections to 25 MLC seats fast approaching, KPCC president, Dr G. Parameshwar has reportedly finalised a list of 25 candidates after receiving recommendations from the respective DCC presidents.
Speaking to DC, a senior leader in the KPCC said, “Dr Parameshwar who was sworn in as home minister just three days ago, has not neglected KPCC affairs. He has sought an appointment with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to finalise the list.”
The source added that the Chief Minister, who was taken aback at Dr Parameshwar’s enthusiasm to finalise the list, asked him to take over first as home minister officially and then they could sit together to give the finishing touches to the list. “We expect both leaders to finalise the list by the end of this week and leave for Delhi to seek formal approval of party central leaders,” the source said.
The source added that the party had sounded all probable candidates to begin their campaigning in their respective constituencies.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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