The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Congress candidate touches the right chord in Jayanagar

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Monday, Apr 13, 2009
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Karnataka

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Congress candidate touches the right chord in Jayanagar

Staff Reporter

Support for ‘Women Walk to Safety with Krishna Byregowda’

— Photo: K. Murali Kumar

LOUD AND CLEAR: Supporters of Krishna Byre Gowda, Congress candidate for Bangalore South, and Bangalore South Youth Forum members participating in a rally in Bangalore on Sunday.

BANGALORE: One of the agendas that no other party in the State seems to be promoting through its campaign is just what Krishna Byregowda spoke about at a large gathering of young men and women at Madhavan Park in Jayanagar here on Sunday.

The Congress candidate from Bangalore South Lok Sabha Constituency, who was accompanied by his wife Meenakshi Seshadri and eminent personalities from the constituency, opposed moral policing — especially on women.

Among the over 300 people who had come together were members of the Bangalore South Youth Forum, responsible for organising the event titled “Women Walk to Safety with Krishna Byregowda”, carrying posters and banners asking for a “safe Bangalore for women”. The energy was palpable as young men and women shouted slogans defending their right to live freely.

As he walked briskly through the crowd with his characteristic smile, Mr. Byregowda had the audience nodding in approval when he spoke of “cultural fascism”.

“They may be strong words to use, but moral policing begins in small ways,” he said and urged youngsters not to accept imposed versions of morality.

“People have to take the initiative and awareness must spread among all,” said Mr. Byregowda.

But Mr. Byregowda took little airtime and shared it with those who had come to support him.

Voicing his opinion was Rajeev Gowda, professor, Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore and Congress Party member.

Mr. Rajeev Gowda arranged a series of protests throughout the city on February 12 against the Sri Rama Sene’s threats to Valentine’s Day.

“It was people’s protests that led to the banning of those who opposed Valentine’s Day,” he said.

Prema Krishna, wife of former Chief Minister S.M. Krishna, said she supported the Congress and supported a young leader from a party that had worked continuously towards the betterment of women and their representation in politics. Suresh Heblikar, environmentalist, said that no other political leader had brought up the issue of global warming.

All the speakers were well received by the youngsters who then walked to Asoka Pillar led by Mr. Byregowda.

Bangalore South Youth Forum also demanded that the 11.30 p.m. deadline for restaurants and pubs, and the ban on live music be removed, and more efficient systems be put in place for protection.

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