Bhopal: Accusing the BJP government of inflicting its regressive ideology on the nation, Congress presidential candidate Meira Kumar on Thursday said that it was not an election but a battle of ideologies.
Kumar, who was in the state to garner support for the election, said she was contesting the election on various issues, including inclusive society, transparency, social justice, eradication of caste system, religious equality and press freedom.
"I am fighting for you as freedom of the press has been muscled of late," she said while addressing members of the media. It is an honour that 17 mainstream political parties chose her to fight the election, she said.
On being asked whether she accepted that the BJP and her own party, Congress, was playing the dalit card for the presidential election, Kumar candidly said that she was against any such politics and was quick to add that they (Congress) did not start this.
"I have written letters to the members of the electorate and urged them to vote on the basis of their conscience," she said adding that in the past as well elections have been fought and won on the voices of consciences.
We are living in 21st century and moving towards modernisation and I have time and again urged everyone to pack the casteism and bury it far away.
"The social and religious harmony has taken severe beating of late," she said adding that Manuwadi approach and atrocities on dalits were on the rise in the recent past.
Referring to the UPA rule, she claimed that her government brought about RTI act without being coerced by any public agitation just to infuse transparency and accountability on governance.
On being asked what ideological changes she could bring in if she gets elected, given the feeble constitutional authority vested in the President, she said that a President is not weak and could influence changes with unhindered moral authority.
Kumar upon reaching at the Pradesh Congress Committee office was greeted by crowd of party leaders and workers. She held meeting with Congress and BSP legislators and sought their support in presidential election.
Comments
0 comment