How Does Karnataka CM Address Electoral Fraud on International Democracy Day?

Bengaluru, Sep 15 (NationPress) Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized on Monday the vital role every citizen plays in safeguarding the Constitution, urging them to fulfill this responsibility with utmost dedication.

He highlighted that upholding democracy is crucial for the safety of the nation’s populace.

Additionally, he called on citizens to prevent any form of electoral fraud.

His remarks came during the celebration of International Democracy Day, hosted by the State Social Welfare Department at the Banquet Hall of Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.

CM Siddaramaiah stated, "This year’s Democracy Day motto is 'My Vote, My Right'. However, there are certain vested interests aiming to dilute this power. Previously, only the affluent wielded authority, but today, every individual, regardless of wealth, possesses equal voting rights."

"Dr. B.R. Ambedkar famously asserted, 'One Person, One Vote, One Value'. Regrettably, this principle is being exploited in a scheme to undermine the Constitution, which must not be tolerated. Every citizen must actively safeguard the Constitution. Protecting democracy is synonymous with protecting the nation’s citizens," he stressed.

"Certain individuals have resorted to electoral fraud to maintain their dominance. Hence, the motto 'My Vote, My Right' gains even greater significance in this context, and manipulation of votes must be rigorously curtailed. Democracy must thrive, and citizens’ rights need protection. Beyond constitutional rights, all citizens must also embrace their responsibilities. In a democratic framework, every caste and religion stands equal. Those who seek to destabilize the Constitution are reactionaries. Since the dawn of Independence, adversaries of the Constitution have persisted. By eradicating inequality, oppression cannot endure," CM Siddaramaiah elaborated.

"In an effort to foster awareness about constitutional values, the state government has initiated steps to ensure the Preamble of the Constitution is recited in all educational institutions. It is essential for every citizen to grasp the Constitution. Without understanding its significance, individuals become susceptible to its misapplication," the Chief Minister asserted.

During the International Day of Democracy event at Vidhana Soudha, Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar remarked: "The 'My Vote My Right' initiative aims to promote awareness of democratic principles and nurture leadership abilities among youth and students. This year’s Democracy Day theme is: 'My Vote, My Right'."

He continued, "The ballot holds more power than the bullet. The monarchy may be absent today, yet elected officials govern. This is the strength of the ballot. It is this voting power that has enabled leaders like CM Siddaramaiah and myself to rise."

"We are currently participants in the largest democracy in the world. The idea of democracy originated in this land when Lord Basavanna established Anubhava Mantapa 900 years ago to foster an egalitarian society," he stated.

"In today’s competitive landscape, advancing without leadership skills is nearly impossible. It is crucial to impart these skills to our youth and students. In politics, achieving 49 percent is negligible, while 51 percent signifies success. The youth must comprehend this," he stated.

"The late Congress MP Dhruvanarayan once won an election by a margin of just one vote. Coincidentally, the opponent’s driver had failed to vote that day due to a delay. This incident underscores the significance of each vote in a democracy," he reflected.

"I had the privilege of witnessing the parliamentary debate on lowering the voting age from 21 to 18 years. The Opposition fiercely criticized the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi for proposing this legislation. They argued that he was granting voting rights to mere children. In response, he stated, 'If we can entrust rifles to youth and send them to the borders at age 18, why can’t we grant them the right to vote?' He recognized the potential of youth," he recounted.

"The Judiciary, Legislative, Executive, and Media form the four pillars of democracy. The judiciary steps in when errors are made; the media brings our mistakes to light. Yet, despite this, there are still attempts to manipulate votes. Rahul Gandhi has initiated a campaign against this electoral fraud," he concluded.