Madhuswamy critical of Union govt’s ‘dictatorial’ approach

“It will be difficult if we do not suppress the dictatorial attitude,” Madhuswamy said

Minister for Minor Irrigation J C Madhuswamy on Saturday expressed displeasure against the central government and said that the Union government is interfering in the affairs of the state which would affect the federal system. However, BJP National youth wing president, also MP, Tejasvi Surya took exception over Madhuswamy’s opinion.

The minister was addressing a gathering for the symposium on ‘National Integration and Regional Freedom’, organised by Akhila Bharatha Sarana Sahitya Parishat, here. The Union government is playing dictatorial attitude and also centralising powers by interfering in state affairs. “It will be difficult if we do not suppress the dictatorial attitude,” he said.

Earlier, there were only 16 states in the country, but now, it has increased to 29. In Karnataka, the people of Kodagu, North Karnataka and Dakshina Kannada are demanding separate states. “We have failed to sort out the issues related to revenue documentation in Kodagu and we have filed to get Kodavas into confidence. The people demand separate state when we fail to ensure facilities,” he said.

Madhuswamy also questioned the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, an all India pre-medical entrance test for students who wish to pursue undergraduate medical courses. “North Indians will get admission in our medical colleges through NEET. We welcome them with red carpet. Multi-speciality hospitals are facing staff crunch from last four years,” he said.

However, BJP National youth wing president, also MP, Tejasvi Surya, who was present at the event, took exception over Madhuswamy’s comment and said, “New states are being created for administrative purposes and not for political reasons.” He asked, what would be the problem if more states were created for effective governance?

When it comes to the matter of the state, the government is giving more priority to Bengaluru and old Mysuru region. The government need to give more attention to Kalyana Karnataka Region, he opined.

"Kannadigas have option to pursue higher education in other states," he said. “Socialism is the root cause of the country’s poverty and religious issues have disrupted the unity of the country.”