Begin typing your search...
‘No action plan or concern for the people, looting is the main objective’
KR Ramesh Kumar’s second stint as Karnataka Speaker would perhaps be the most significant episode in his political career. In an interview to Thanthi TV, the veteran says he was only following the law.
By
migrator
migrator
Chennai
How challenging was the last few days?
I have discharged my duties and left the rest to the people. The opinion of the masses is the most important thing in a democracy. Respecting their opinion is my responsibility.
You had said that you would like to know people’s opinion before accepting resignations of MLAs. Does the Constitution allow this?
Is there any clause saying one should not do this? There is no respect for the voters after the polling is over. No one cares for them. But people’s opinion should be heard.
But there is no place for this in the Constitution...
When the Constitution was drafted, none expected that such people would come to politics. So, I have done this to create a precedence.
What is the main reason for the present political conundrum?
All of us are the reason. Whenever the need for capturing power arises, when one is ready to do anything to capture power for his self-interest and his relatives, such things happen.
Do you feel that the new government would not last for long?
Can’t say. However, there would be no stability. There is no action plan and concern about the people. Looting is the main objective.
Capturing power and being in the power have become the main motive of the political parties...
That is why people don’t respect politicians. Present politicians cannot earn the respect that Kamaraj and Annadurai had earned.
Why have you disqualified the three MLAs?
This country is ruled by law. The law is the same to the President and to the layman. We must punish those persons who violate the law.
Is it right to ban them from contesting in elections?
I have not done anything against the law. The assembly’s term ends only in 2023 and I have disqualified them till the present government’s term. In case the assembly is dissolved, they can contest.
In Tamil Nadu, 18 MLAs were disqualified but they contested in the by-election. Are there two separate laws for Tamil Nadu and Karnataka?
I have done what I had thought is right. The court can decide.
Disqualified MLA only goes to the people...
Why should the people face another election? When the MLAs campaigned, they have asked votes for five years, not for two years.
They cannot enter the assembly without people’s mandate...
No. They can’t enter the assembly until the present government’s term ends.
Will you accept if the MLAs withdraw their resignations?
We will see if that situation arises.
Why did you defer voting on the no-confidence motion?
The motion was filed on July 18 and debate on it was held on July 19. Then the weekend came. On July 23, voting on the motion was held. Are three days too much to decide the fate of a State government?
Does such a delay lead to horse trading?
Everyone does horse trading. I don’t care about that. We could not discuss this on July 18 immediately after the notice was served. Congress party’s legislative leader raised concerns about his rights. I must take decision on this. Debate was held for two days. Do you expect to solve this issue in just an hour?
However, the Governor gives a deadline to you. You must respect that?
Governor had sent a communication to solve the issue soon. He did not give any deadline to me but for the Chief Minister. I have great respect for the Governor.
Visit news.dtnext.in to explore our interactive epaper!
Download the DT Next app for more exciting features!
Click here for iOS
Click here for Android
Next Story
