News Karnataka-Exclusive:
The 2014 Lok Sabha elections in Dakshina Kannada will be a tough challenge not only for the BJP and Congress but for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as well.
All the parties are gearing up for the big battle and are determined to leave no stone unturned to win the prestigious constituency.
The Aam Aadmi Party of Dakshina Kannada has announced Marpalli Ramayya Vasudeva, better known as M R Vasudeva as its Lok Sabha candidate for Dakshina Kannada constituency.
In an exclusive talk with News Karnataka Sub Editor Cindrella Daryani, M R Vasudeva presents his viewpoint on various issues.
Excerpts:
Why did you join AAP? Why not BJP and Congress?
Aam Aadmi Party’s agenda attracted me. I want to serve the society and the country as long as I live. Now I have a chance. When someone has given me an opportunity, let me join that movement and agitation.
One cannot change the system, unless he/she is the leader of a big organisation. This is a management theory and concept of present time.
What is your view on Narendra Modi?
One man cannot change the country, please don’t believe whatever they are saying. Along with a leader there is also a need of collective workers to realise any vision.
We heard that you attended Modi’s rally in the city?
Yes, I attended his rally in the city. Till I join any party, I am an Aam Aadmi. As an aam aadmi, I can go anywhere, I can sit with leaders, listen to them, their ideas, and policies and then structure my idea.
Is DK AAP struggling for funds?
AAP belongs to the aam aadmi. Besides, we are not struggling for funds. But, we have asked people to sponsor our MP candidate. Also, we are collecting small tokens and funds from the people.
Will a slow-paced nomination affect AAP’s leadership and campaigning in DK?
It may affect, but we are not bothered about it. Though it may affect in the beginning. But once the tempo starts picking up, I feel, we will trounce these difficulties. In Delhi, 28 AAP MLAs were elected without any difficulty.
What is AAP’s agenda for public rallies?
DK has got eight constituencies. We are planning to meet religious associations, educational institutions, workers and NGOs.
We will be visiting all the eight constituencies and will have at least three rounds of meetings along with interaction with people.
In which segment do you see corruption prevailing in the city?
We (people) have accepted corruption and are ready to pay bribes. And, if you do not pay bribes, then things won’t happen. This mindset needs to be changed.
Bureaucrats, contractors are linked with each other. They want real estate boom. But nobody is staying in those buildings which they are constructing and even get permission. But the common man who approaches the city corporation or any other department will not get any licence or certificate that easily. But, If you are ready to pay bribe, then everything is smooth sail.
What is your stance on development without harming the environment?
We need to concentrate on development which ensures good education, enough employment opportunities and also protects environment. These things are our priorities.
Much of the infrastructure is presently concentrated in Bangalore. What about Mangalore, Hubli, Mysore, and Gulbarga? These districts should get better infrastructure development. Karnataka cannot be considered a developed state unless and until there is development on a wider perspective. Besides, real estate people are concentrating on Bangalore, which is unable to bear such pressure which in turn is troubling citizens there.
M R Vasudeva’s Profile: M R Vasudeva is the former director of Mangalore International Airport. He is an ISO lead auditor and has widely travelled overseas to present seminars. He has been in the local circuit of resource persons in management, engineering, as well as socio-economic issues. He is also a visiting faculty member at Srinivas College of Engineering, Mukka.
