“It is apparent that every NRI cannot be expected to travel to his hometown just to caste his or her vote. I think in such a scenario, exercising franchise through secured technology via the internet would be the best alternative,” Mr Hegde said.
He was speaking at a programme organised by Praveen Shetty of Fortune Group of Hotels to felicitate him at Lotus Boutique Hotel on behalf of over 50 organizations from all over United Arab Emirates. He visited Dubai to participate in 'Chammana' programme organised by Bearys Forum on Friday April 20.
He promised to put in his best efforts to pursue the issue with the government and provide impetus to this campaign till the NRIs get the right to vote from their places of work.
'Expectations Galore, Constraint of Time'
“As I got elected through bypoll, I have only two years of term as MP. At least the last six months of every MP's term needs to be wholly dedicated towards preparing for the next election. In the remaining 18 months available to me, I will do everything within my command to address the problems of the people in my region. I am aware that the electorate has high expectations from me, and I will not let them down,” said Mr Hegde.
He further said, “I am under constant pressure from my own party workers who want me to attend victory celebrations and thanksgiving meetings, but I have politely declined this demand, duly asking them to go ahead and celebrate in my absence. If I begin to yield to these requests, the remaining term of my office will not be sufficient. I have begun visiting remote and far-flung areas of my constituency. In spite of time constraints, I could not turn down the invitation extended to me from my well-wishers in Dubai, as a large number of people from my constituency live here”, he said.
Praveen Shetty draped a shawl around the visiting dignitary. Sudhir Shetty and Shekhar Shetty handed over a citation to him, while Raj Shetty presented a memento. Before this, Ganesh Rai read out the citation.
Hegde recounted that he had begun his political carrier by joining Janata Dal in 1985. With the support of his people, he said he won the election for the first time and became a minister in 1994. “After the Janata Dal was divided, I kept my distance from political parties, and started to fight election as an independent candidate. The people also elected me twice as an independent candidate,” he recalled.
He said that he had to choose to join Congress party, after areas within his home constituency got trifurcated between different constituencies. “I continue to work for the people, and try to address their problems. I serve them not to win elections, but because of an inner urge to serve people,” he said.
Hegde regretted about casteism prevalent in the political system and elections in India. He urged the people here to convey a strong message back home to keep caste away from politics. “It is okay to use the name of one's caste in wedding and family functions, but in elections, caste, creed, religion etc should never be a factor,” he felt.
“NRIs are also an integral part of India. They also should get voting rights. Polling through postal ballots or embassy may not yield cent percent result. Voting online appears to be the best option, and a number of nations are already following this system,” Hegde added.
Mangalore Airport and Air India Express
UAE Exchange COO, Sudhir Shetty, who was also present at the programme, informed the audience that he had met Mangalore Airport director, and had learnt from him that DGCA officials have cleared all the formalities for giving international status to Mangalore Airport.
“Now it is only a matter of time before a formal announcement is made by the central government. Only after this announcement is made, will other airlines be able to fly to Mangalore,” he explained.
He was giving this information in reply to a question posed to Hegde about granting international status to Mangalore Airport.
Sudhir Shetty also expressed his concern to the MP about the poor service provided by Air India Express, particularly relating to delays in scheduled flights and high fare during peak seasons.
Sarvotham Shetty, who compered the programme, urged Hegde to streamline Air India Express's functioning, duly complaining that the airline does not seem to have any policies about fixing of air fare. “This airline makes a three-fold increase in air fare during June-July and December. How can it be called a budget airline?” he questioned.
Hegde promised to look into this issue immediately after returning to India.
Lotus Boutique Inauguration
Earlier in the day, Jayaprakash Hegde inaugurated 'Lotus Boutique' Hotel, run under Fortune Group headed by Praveen Shetty. The inaugural was conducted by lighting the lamp and cutting the ribbon.
Hegde, who wished every success to the group of hotels, also recalled about his association with Praveen Shetty in the past, and how Shetty had helped him to win his first election in 1994 with his active campaigning. He also hailed Shetty for his services to the people of Kundapur region back home.
BCF president, Dr B K Yusuf, Ramee Group chairman, Raj Shetty, Praveen Shetty and his wife, Jayaprakash Hedge's wife, Shobha Shetty, were present on the dais during the felicitation programme.
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