‘Education Minister is Congress Government’s sixth Guarantee — another false promise’

Mysore/Mysuru: MLC A.H. Vishwanath (AHV) has said that both Karnataka and the country need a new political party and new leadership. Addressing a press conference in city yesterday, Vishwanath referred to Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), saying politics should move beyond caste, religion and language.

“How long can votes be sought in the name of caste, religion and language? Vijay’s stand is right and I support it. Just as he launched TVK in Tamil Nadu, a new political party should emerge in Karnataka too,” he said.

Vishwanath, however, observed that implementing all promises made by Vijay would be difficult. He added that leaders with fresh ideas must come forward as the country needs political change.

On Rajya Sabha nominations, Vishwanath said former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda should be re-elected. “Deve Gowda is among the most experienced statesmen the country has seen. His political experience is still needed and even PM Narendra Modi appears inclined towards his re-election,” he said.

Politics of disgrace

Commenting on BJP National President Nitin Nabin’s visit to Karnataka, Vishwanath said, the visit was intended to strengthen the party and motivate workers ahead of future elections. While declining to comment on speculation surrounding changes in the State BJP leadership, he criticised the present political culture.

“The system has collapsed. Leaders like B.Y. Vijayendra, R. Ashoka and CM Siddaramaiah have no integrity. No political party has ethics anymore. Politics today has become disgraceful,” he alleged.

Responding to allegations of financial impropriety and the FIR filed against him, Vishwanath dismissed the accusations as baseless. “I am a senior politician. Do not compare me with Kotehundi Mahadev. I have not taken money from him. These are false allegations. MTB Nagaraj is my close friend and if I had taken money, he would know. Instead, followers of Siddaramaiah are filing cases against me,” he said.

He further claimed that five cases, including a Rs. 50 crore defamation suit filed by Minister Byrathi Suresh, had already been lodged against him by Siddaramaiah’s supporters.

School education system damaged

Turning to the education sector, Vishwanath accused Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa of damaging the school education system over the last three years.

“He speaks about introducing English-medium education, but where are the teachers? He wants competitive exam coaching from Class 6, when even PUC students are struggling to pass. He talks about arts, literature and physical education from Class 3, but again, there are no teachers. These are empty promises pushing education downhill,” he said.

Vishwanath also criticised the Minister’s reported statement that private schools would be shut within five years.

“Is that even possible? No Expert Committee has been formed and no guidelines have been issued. Instead, unnecessary pressure is being placed on children. The Minister’s statements are laughable. This has become the Congress Government’s sixth Guarantee: Another false promise. The Chief Minister should intervene and replace Madhu Bangarappa with an experienced Legislator,” he said.