Mandya: The current political scenario is in crossroads and the Constitution is under threat. The castist-communal forces will push the secular forces to a corner in case they failed to protect democracy, opined former Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa.

He was speaking at a function organised by D. Devaraja Urs Backward Classes Forum in connection with the birth anniversary of Devaraja Urs and the distribution of ‘Ursu Awards’ at Gandhi Bhavan here yesterday.

“The Constitutionally created bodies have become political pawns. The Constitution is being strangulated. Power is enjoyed by only people with moneybags. Power is denied for good, able and thinkers. The concept of having an equal society is missing. We are heading towards building the Constitution-less India. Caste is static and class conflict must happen to make it movable. Devaraja Urs strove hard to build an active society through scientific approach. The caste-community which opposed reservation for Backward Classes have now sneaked and following divide and rule policy”, he said.

Dr. Mahadevappa said Urs had seen life from various angles and had attained maturity out of experience. Even after becoming the Minister, he continued to retain his rural outlook. Urs became the Chief Minister without the caste support and worked for the uplift of society. “He used to respond to people’s problems closely. It is very difficult to imagine about a person of that calibre now leave alone having him in current situation. His historic decision ‘tiller is owner of land’ benefited as many as 8 lakh people. He abolished the bonded labour system and helped those into it to lead a self-reliance life.”

The former Minister said Urs ensured the victory of 72 candidates of his party without caste or money backup. Till his death, Urs remained as a voice of voiceless and upheld social justice. He successfully implemented 20 point programme announced by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and made Karnataka a model stage. Unfortunately, Urs lost power because of this, he bemoaned.

MLC K.T. Srikantegowda regretted that in the current political system, caste plays a vital role starting from issuing ‘B Form’ till making any MLA/ MLC as Minister of Chief Minister. People with principles and ideologies are reluctant to contest election because of caste power and money power. The work of abridging the gap between haves and have-nots was missing. Need of the hour was to launch agitation to build a new society.

On the occasion, ‘Ursu Award’ was conferred on Prof. N.V. Narasimaiah, former Director, D. Devaraja Urs Research Centre, H.A. Venkatesh, former Chairman, Mysore Paints and Varnish Ltd. (MPVL), R. Srinivas, President, Sarvagna Kumbara Seva Trust and K.S. Prabhakar, former President, Mandya Zilla Panchayat (ZP).