A week long fast enough for now: Seer suggests Anna

August 17, 2011

Mangalore, August 17: Pejawar Mutt pontiff Vishwesha Tirtha Swamiji on Wednesday suggested the anti corruption campaigner Anna Hazare to go on a week-long fast for now to exert pressure on the Union Government to fulfill the civil societies demand for a strong anti-corruption bill.

In a media release, the influential seer called upon the Gandhian to embark on indefinite hunger strike only if the Jan Lokpal bill drafted by the civil society is rejected by the parliament.

Extending all his support to Mr Hazare, he said that arresting a civil society leader for campaigning against corruption was condemnable.

He also stated that Team Anna's movement is not aiming at undermining the parliamentary democracy, as their demand is confined to a strong and effective Jan Lokpal Bill, which can eradicate corruption in the country in a democratic way.

He also said the draft Lokpal Bill proposed by the Union Government lacked teeth and it cannot serve the purpose.

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Vokkaligara Sangha threatens Congress: ‘Shivakumar must be CM or face backlash’

News Network

November 27,2025

Bengaluru: The Vokkaligara Sangha on Thursday issued a stern warning to the Congress, saying the party could face serious electoral repercussions if Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is not appointed as Chief Minister.

The warning follows the public backing of Shivakumar’s chief ministerial ambition by top Vokkaliga pontiff Nirmalanandanatha Swami, who urged the Congress high command to honor his claim.

“The community supported Congress in the 2023 Assembly elections only because Shivakumar had a real chance to become CM. If he is cheated, we’ll teach the party a big lesson,” said newly elected Sangha president L. Srinivas. He added that Vokkaligas would organize protests under the guidance of community leaders.

General Secretary C.G. Gangadhar pointed out that Congress won more seats in the Vokkaliga-dominated Old Mysuru region due to Shivakumar’s influence, adding, “If Congress wants to retain power, Shivakumar should be made the CM.”

Outgoing president Kenchappa Gowda emphasized Shivakumar’s contribution to Congress’ victory. “Our community voted for Congress thinking he would become CM. Siddaramaiah has also served the party well, but Shivakumar should now be given a chance,” he said.

Former general-secretary Konappa Reddy appealed to Sonia and Rahul Gandhi to recognize Shivakumar’s loyalty and service, saying, “Congress is known to keep its promises. We hope it won’t break the promise made to him.”

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