Congress is targeting constitutional institutions through protests, says C.T. Ravi

BJP MLC C.T. Ravi on Thursday accused the Congress of making an attempt to discredit constitutional institutions through its protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Addressing a press conference in Hubballi on Thursday, Mr. Ravi said that foreign funds are being used to foment unrest and impede India’s development.

He said that foreign powers are conspiring to turn India into a colony, as the East India Company did in the past.

He also said that such campaigns are aimed at creating anarchy in the country.

Questioning the Congress’ opposition to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) earlier, he said that the party previously questioned their reliability but came to power in Karnataka and a few other States through elections conducted using the same EVMs.

Inconsistent stance

Mr. Ravi questioned the Congress’ inconsistent stand on EVMs arguing that the party accepted the machines when it won elections but opposed them when the election results went against it.

He said that Congress leaders should resign from the governments they are heading in a few States before demanding the resignation of Mr. Gyanesh Kumar.

‘Cong’s own sting’

Mr. Ravi also said that Congress leaders have orchestrated the sting video operation involving the former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to keep him under control.

Questioning the State government’s response, he said that no action has been taken against those who carried out the sting operation, while those who circulated the video have been arrested. He said that Congress leaders are behind both the planning and execution of the sting operation.

Criticising the Congress government’s priorities, Mr. Ravi said that the Cabinet should have focused on drought, drinking water shortage and inadequate power supply instead of discussing the sting operation.

He further said that the Congress government’s guarantee schemes have placed a strain on public services. Stating that the Shakti scheme has weakened the State transport corporations financially, he said that the transport corporations are using funds meant for employee salaries to meet diesel expenses.

Mr. Ravi also accused the State government of failing to contain price rise and corruption. Citing the MUDA and Valmiki Development Corporation scams, the Bhovi Development Corporation and the Labour Department irregularities, he described these controversies as evidence of the Congress government’s failures.

MLA Mahesh Tenginkai, the former MLC Mahantesh Kavatagimath and president of Hubballi-Dharwad Urban District unit of BJP Thippanna Majjagi were present.