New Delhi: Karnataka Legislative Council member Dr Ravi C.T. on Monday criticised AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge’s remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s father, describing them as a reflection of the Congress’ desperation.
Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Ravi questioned whether the Congress’ “Mohabbat Ki Dukaan” slogan had room for derogatory remarks about the Prime Minister’s family. Modi had not come to power with the Congress’ support but had won the people’s mandate for a third consecutive term, he said.
“In a democracy, it is the people who decide who comes to power,” Ravi said, accusing the Congress of targeting political opponents out of frustration over electoral defeats. Political parties should win public support through elections, and an elected government cannot be brought down through street protests, he added.
Probe those behind sting operation: Ravi
On the sting operation controversy, Ravi said action against those who circulated the video on social media would not be enough. The investigation should also establish who commissioned the operation, he said, urging the police to conduct an impartial probe.
‘Don’t overlook Mysore royal family’s legacy’
Ravi said the Mysore royal family continued to command considerable respect among people in Karnataka. He cited Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar’s contribution to the state’s development and referred to historical accounts of the royal family contributing gold towards the construction of the Kannambadi dam.
He also recalled that Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar had allowed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to use his private aircraft to contact other princely states during the integration of India.
Agreements concerning the dignity, property and privy purses of princely families had been made during the integration process, Ravi said, adding that those in positions of power should not act arbitrarily.
Responding to Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s remarks about the royal family, Ravi said political leaders should understand the historical context before commenting on the issue. Matters concerning the royal family should be approached with sensitivity rather than an attitude of arrogance stemming from political power, he said.
