Mangaluru witnessed a significant "Janatha Nadige" (People's Walk) on Saturday, October 31, where actor Prakash Raj addressed a gathering, urging citizens to leverage their voting rights to dislodge the BJP and RSS-inspired government. The protest, organized by a joint forum of secular parties and organizations, commenced at Ambedkar Circle and concluded at the Clock Tower, primarily demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and opposing the controversial 'SIR' initiative.
Speaking to the assembled crowd, Raj emphasized that the movement extended beyond a mere protest against SIR, which he described as an attempt to "snatch away voting rights." He framed it as a broader struggle to "overthrow" the current administration. Responding to Prime Minister Modi's perceived acknowledgment of their intent, Raj affirmed, "Yes, we have indeed come to overthrow your government." He clarified, however, that this would not mirror situations in Nepal, Bangladesh, or Pakistan, but rather be a democratic uprising, using the "right to vote granted by Ambedkar's Constitution."
The multilingual actor sharply criticized the Modi-Amit Shah duo, labeling them "Ranga-Billa" and accusing them of attempting to destroy evidence. He warned, "Modi, your cup of sins is full," asserting that the Prime Minister would not remain in power for much longer. Raj also turned his attention to local concerns, stating that the ruling party was "filling the brains of the coastal people with dung," rendering them "foolish and like monkeys." He questioned the state of health, economic conditions, youth employment, and communal harmony within the D.K. district, cautioning that "they will come for your roots too."
Raj reiterated that SIR was more than just "vote theft," describing it as a mechanism introduced to "erase the votes that have increased in recent elections." He stressed that citizens, not political parties, held the key to winning this struggle, as parties often viewed the public merely as "vote machines." He passionately declared, "Voting is our right; do not try to snatch it away," reminding the audience that many local youth were currently incarcerated.
CPM District Secretary Muneer Katipalla delivered the introductory remarks. Several leaders from various parties and organizations, including Padmaraj R., M.G. Hegde, Dinesh Hegde Ulepady, Lakshmeesha Dabbaladka, Ashraf, V. Kukyan, Jayanthi B. Shetty, and Shekhar Vamanjoor, were present. DYFI District President Manoj Vamanjoor managed the event, and Santhosh Bajal concluded with the vote of thanks.
Image: Wikipedia — Prakash Raj
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati DK