Freedom fighter and Gandhian H S Doreswamy was honoured with Gandhi Seva Award-2017 by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday.
"The state government's half-hearted measures to remove corruption in the society are not enough. The government should involve itself honestly to put an end to it," Doreswamy said after receiving the award.
Expressing concern over the growth of hatred in society, the Gandhian said violence has become normal in politics. "I have heard that political interests were behind the clashes in Dakshina Kannada district. If this trend continues, we will have anti-social elements will take over the administration. The governemnt should nip violence in its bud," he said.
Doreswamy also called upon the government and political parties to stop funding mutts. "Funds are given to mutts for political reasons. This should stop. Parties should also stop giving money, alcohol and other materials to bribe voters during elections. Only good, honest people should be voted to power," he said.
Siddramaiah said Doreswamy has never strayed from the path of his fight for social welfare even in his old age. "He has vehemently criticised our government. I have never suspected any vested interest behind his comments. I look at them as guidelines," he said.