Save Karnataka from ''malpractices'', Governor to people

Bangalore, Jan 25 (PTI) In an apparent attack on rulingBJP in Karnataka, Governor H R Bhardwaj today gave a call tothe people to save the state from "malpractices".

"We should build a powerful society in Karnataka and savethe state from malpractices. Malpractices destroy everysystem," said Bhardwaj, who is under attack from the BJP forsanctioning prosecution of Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa inalleged land scams.

The Governor was speaking at the National Voters Daycelebration organised by the State Election Commission here.

"Democracy does not sustain on individuals but stronginstitutions like the constitution and the ElectionCommission. Weak leaders, weak managers are a passing phase,"he said.

Bhardwaj, who has been been described by BJP as "agent ofthe Congress", asserted that he was hundred per cent committedto the rule of law in democracy.

Taking an indirect swipe at Yeddyurappa, he said,"Consensus is democracy, respect for each other is democracy.

All of us are fallible as human beings. This does not meanthere is no cure, no conciliation. So long as I am here, Iwill go by consensus, mediation, conciliation. Nothingpersonal to me."

"Politics is like a railway compartment where people whoget in, do not want others to get in," Bhardwaj said.

He said the imperatives for democracy are enshrined inthe constitution laid down by stalwarts like BabasahebAmbedkar. "However, many people do not believe in what isenshrined in the constitution".

On the controversy regarding the office of the Governor,Bhardwaj said "now there is a debate regarding my own office.

Constitution is the key by which we are all governed. Wheneverthere is abrasion of law, democracy; constitution has come tothe rescue."

Highlighting the necessity to follow the law of the land,he said "every game has to be played according to rules of thegame. Rules are necessary."

In an indirect reference to the Karnataka government, hesaid rulers like Krishnadevaraya loved their subjects and theynever exploited them and added "they loved their praja(people). But one must remember whatever you sow, so shall youreap."

Bhardwaj said he had introduced a number of electoralreforms during his stint as the Law Minister, "though peoplethink that I am not well-versed in law. That is a controversythat exists in democracy." PTI BH MSR BN