HD Kumaraswamy slams State govt for delay in conducting local body elections

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], September 16 (ANI): Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Monday slammed the Congress government in Karnataka for the delay in conducting local body elections in the state.
Taking a dig at the human chain organised by the Karnataka government on Sunday to mark 'International Day of Democracy', Kumaraswamy alleged that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's "actions are more about propaganda than actual governance."
"In the guise of promoting human welfare, you formed a human chain, the @INCKarnataka government shows no concern for democracy. If they did, they would first conduct elections for local bodies. Since coming to power, they have not conducted elections for the fundamental pillars of democracy at the district & taluk panchayat levels and the BBMP. Why? Just because you have come to power, does it mean that the local governments should be ignored while you parade around the Vidhana Soudha?," Kumaraswamy said in a post on X.
Kumaraswamy pointed out that the Siddaramaiah government has been in power for over a year and four months. Yet, local body elections have not been conducted in the state, he said.
"Your ( Siddaramaiah) democracy and people-oriented approach seem only to shine in advertisements! Your actions are more about propaganda than actual governance," Kumaraswamy said.
"Is suppressing dissenting powers a betrayal of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's principles? Can democracy be preserved through the human chain? Is the misuse of taxpayers' money an embellishment for democracy?
"First, announce local body elections. Strengthen the true democratic chain," he added.
Karnataka on Sunday marked the 'International Day of Democracy' by forming a 'historic' 2,500-km-long human chain as a symbol of equality, unity, fraternity, and participative governance.
Speaking at the Grand Steps of Vidhana Soudha during the inauguration of the human chain CM Siddaramaiah called for celebrating the pluralism upheld by the Constitution in daily lives.
Referring to Dr B R Ambedkar's speech on November 25, 1949, the CM noted that true political freedom is meaningful only when economic and social democracy is achieved. He added that as long as inequality exists in India, political freedom will lack real significance. (ANI)