Mysuru: The annual Suttur Jathra Mahotsava which is famous for creating awareness among people about topics like agriculture and various government schemes should also become a platform to enlighten people about the importance of voting, opined MLA and State Janata Dal (S) President A H Vishwanath.
“It is unfortunate that to destabilise the present government some leaders from the Opposition are calling our MLAs to defect with offers of crores of rupees. These sort of developments should become talk of the town. If there is such a discussion among people definitely such unethical politics will be avoided and the government can think of providing proper administration. The heads of various religious institutions should also take up these issues and convince people about the importance of voting. People have more respect for religious leaders. Most of them follow what their religious heads tell them”, added Vishwanath who took part in the valedictory function of the Bhajana Mela organised as part of Suttur Jathra Mahotsav at Suttur here on Tuesday, February 5.
‘Jathra also creates awareness about various government schemes’
“Even many elected representatives are not at all aware about all the government schemes be it state or central but if one attends Suttur Jathra they will know about them”, said Vishwanath.
‘Even President of India gets single vote’
“With just one vote former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was made to resign from his post. Even the President of India gets to cast only one vote just like the general public. Hence people realise the value of their single vote and think twice before voting. Today the precious votes are being sold for just liquor and money. People have the right to question the present system and they should exercise it”, added Vishwanath. He also alleged that the officials are also keeping elected representatives in dark by not revealing all the details.
‘Record number of participants for Bajana Mela’
Although only 800 persons had registered for the competition, 530 teams from across the state but also from neighboring states including Kerala took part in the four-day event which concluded on Tuesday, February 5. In children’s category, Somesha Basaiah Viraktha Mutt from Bailhongal Taluk, Belagavi stood first while in the city level women’s category Neelaganga Mahila Balaga from Bogadi of Mysuru stood first. In rural level women’s category, Ramaruda Bhajana Mandali from Bantanuru Village of Bagalkote stood first.
