BENGALURU: The Congress party faces a massive dilemma in confronting the ruling BJP on pertinent issues like skyrocketing fuel prices and corruption during the budget session of the legislature.
Functionaries say public response is virtually nil when they highlight these problems, but Hindutva issues, which Congress is trying to steer clear off, get better traction.
“It is a cause of concern that people-related issues are being ignored in the frenzy stoked by communal elements,” said BL Shankar, KPCC vice-president and party spokesperson. “As a responsible opposition party, we can only raise pertinent issues. However, we can move forward only with public support. ”
Congress had sought adjournment motions on issues such as failure of law and order and 40% kickback allegations levelled by contractors. The adjournment motions have been denied, but the issues have been listed for short discussion.
But functionaries say they are being sidetracked. For examp le, on Wednesday they ended up raising the issue of administrators of some temples in some districts banning traders of a particular community from setting up stalls at fairs. This is among a series of sentimental issues including the hijab controversy, the row over the film ‘The Kashmir Files’ and the proposal to include Bhagavad Gita in the school curriculum, that have been raised.
“These issues are being created by vested interests with the aim of polarising politics in Karnataka ahead of next year’s assembly polls,” said Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad. “We don’t want to fall into this trap, but we are also compelled to raise these issues in the house as it is our responsibility to protect the interests of vulnerable communities. ”
Congress’ exasperation is conspicuous, especially since functionaries are unable to raise pertinent issues effectively. The party had launched several protests on the increase in fuel prices during previous sessions of the legislature and now p rices of motor fuels – there has been a steep rise for bulk buyers such as state road transport corporations – besides LPG, are on the boil again.
Will fight on
“This is a challenging situation and from the outside it looks like we are in a fix. But this won’t stop us from raising pro-people issues both inside and outside of the legislature,” said UT Khader, deputy floor leader of Congress in the assembly. “We will fight out. ”
The party is planning to reach out to voters on issues like price rise and water disputes. “The party will convene a ‘chintan shivir’ after the budget session and we will chart out a strategy for the assembly elections,” said BK Hariprasad, leader of opposition in the council.
In a sarcastic note, HD Kumaraswamy, JD(S) floor leader and former CM said: “People are prosperous under [Narendra] Modi’s rule and that is probably why they are not protesting against price rise. ” He added: “The tragedy is that people are indifferent to issues like price rise and our voice is getting drowned out. They should awaken now, or bigger tragedies will befall us. ”
