Mandya: JD(S) state president H D Kumaraswamy on Thursday, opined that the ‘Right to Vote’ is more powerful than the reservation facility.

Speaking at a state-level convention, organised by the JD(S) backward communities wing here, Kumaraswamy said, “The common man has been extended reservation facility since 70 years, but, it has not brought any change in their lives.

The question, ‘to what extent the reservation system has improved the economic, educational, and social status of Dalits and backward classes?’ is haunting me. Hence, it is necessary to think a step ahead.

B R Ambedkar has not only mentioned about reservation in the Constitution but, has also stressed on the right to vote. If it is used effectively, the people belonging to backward communities can get their rights,” he said.

“The inclusion of the Madivala community under Scheduled Caste list is a long-pending demand. If the JD(S) comes to power in the upcoming elections, the demands of the Madivala community would be considered,” he said.

JD(S) supremo and MP H D Deve Gowda said that if the common man’s problems should be addressed effectively, Kumaraswamy should not align with other parties.

“If the JD(S) forms the government with the support of other parties, it is not possible to work for the people independently.

JD(S) should win 120 plus seats and should form the government on its own strength. If the party gets a majority, Madivala people’s demands would be fulfilled,” he said.

Gowda pointed out that it was he who increased the reservation to 23 percent from 18 percent when he was Public Works Minister. The politicians who work for the people should not have an ego and should not show arrogance, he said.