Bengaluru, July 14 (IANS) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister, G. Parameshwara, on Tuesday warned that strict legal action would be taken if the violence during the Bidadi Township Project protests was found to have been politically motivated or in violation of the law. He said citizens have every right to express their views, submit representations and stage peaceful protests, but unlawful acts like attacking officers would not be tolerated.

Responding to questions on the FIRs registered against farmers for attacking government officials with stones and brooms during the land survey for the proposed Bidadi Township Project, Parameshwara said the government would act strictly in accordance with the law.

The FIRs follow Monday’s confrontation in which government officials conducting a Joint Measurement Survey (JMC), a preliminary step in the land acquisition process, faced an attack by farmers and women protesters.

During the protest some farmers hurled stones and chased the survey team, forcing the officials to abandon the exercise while women allegedly struck the officials’ vehicles with brooms.

“Anyone is free to express their opinion, submit petitions or stage peaceful protests in a lawful manner. However, if it is established that the protest was unlawful or politically motivated, appropriate legal action will be taken,” he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister said the government would make efforts to explain to the public why the Bidadi Township Project is necessary, why the land is required, and how the interests of local residents and farmers would be protected.

Speaking about youth welfare initiatives, Parameshwara announced that the state government would establish ‘Bharat Jodo Yuva Sanghas’ across Karnataka within the next month to promote leadership qualities, social service and community participation among young people.

The initiative fulfils a Congress manifesto promise inspired by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’, which covered more than 3,000 kilometres from Kanyakumari to Kashmir to promote national unity and India’s diverse cultural heritage.

“The Chief Minister has reviewed the proposal and approved the programme after detailed discussions,” Parameshwara said.

The scheme will be implemented through the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports with support from the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Urban Development, Revenue and Education departments.

Guidelines for forming the local youth organisations in every gram panchayat across the state were issued on Monday.

Each ‘Bharat Jodo Yuva Sangha’ will comprise 100 to 250 members and will receive an annual grant of Rs 10 lakh from the government.

The organisations will be entrusted with promoting sports, cultural activities, community service and awareness about national festivals such as Independence Day and Republic Day among the youth.

Parameshwara said the government was prepared to spend up to Rs 1,000 crore on youth empowerment if required.

“There is nothing wrong with investing even Rs 1,000 crore for the empowerment of our youth. The proposal has been discussed in detail in the Cabinet headed by the Chief Minister,” he said.

He added that detailed membership guidelines had also been issued, specifying eligibility criteria and ensuring representation from all sections of society in the committees.

“The government intends to implement the scheme at the earliest. The formation of committees across the state will be completed within the next 15 to 20 days, and at the latest within one month,” he said.

Replying to a question on the delay in the expansion of the state Cabinet ahead of the Assembly session scheduled to begin in August, Parameshwara dismissed concerns, saying the government would manage with the existing ministers.

“There will be no problem. Around 20 ministerial positions are yet to be filled, and discussions are underway at the party high command level. Rahul Gandhi has returned from his foreign tour, and necessary decisions are likely to be taken in the coming days,” he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister also hit back at Opposition Leader in Council and BJP MLC Chalavadi Narayanaswamy over his allegation that ministerial berths in the Congress were decided based on who paid the highest “black money” to the party high command.

“He is only describing what happened in the BJP. It is not appropriate to compare their political culture with ours,” Parameshwara said.

–IANS

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