Mangaluru: State JD(S) president and former CM H D Kumaraswamy has said that the government and its officials should not function in a fashion to merely appease a small section of people but should act as per the requirement of a majority of the populace. “Intellectuals should remain critics of the government and openly debate the failure of the government,” he said.

He was speaking at a conclave of intellectuals with H D Kumaraswamy, as organised by the Forum for Democracy, in Mangaluru on Tuesday.

“Citizens should be more proactive and not assume that their responsibility is over after exercising their franchise once in five years. Instead, a conducive environment should be created where the government can truly act according to the wishes of the people,” he said.

“People in the coast want to restore peace but violence is being instigated by a few individuals. It is the duty of the government to check activities of anti-social elements.

When there was a law and order problem in a particular district, then the Chief Minister should have invited members of leaders of the community and discussed a solution to check the unrest.

If he had discussed the matter with people then I am sure a solution would have emerged,” he said.

“Failing to initiate action against Gaurakshaks and miscreants who instigate communal issues in the district shows the weakness of the state government. It was the duty of the government to initiate action against those who speak ill of other religions,” he felt.

“In the name of protection of cattle, Gaurakshaks have raised their ugly head. They should be asked to rear cattle. Will they accept to rear a cow? he asked. There are different food habits in the country. Do not try to disturb the peace on issues of food habits,” he requested.

Kumaraswamy said that changing the Constitution is impossible as Dr B R Ambedkar has made it robust. “No government can change the Constitution of the country,” he said while replying to a query.

“A chief minister is not the CM of a particular party or community. He is the protector of all communities. When a faith or belief is under attack, it is the responsibility of the government to take stern action to contain such attacks,” he felt.

He said, “I was chief minister for 20 months and there was not a single communal flare-up during my tenure. If I am elected as CM again, peace and tolerance in the coastal districts will be my top priority.

Even if it is an MP or MLA instigating violence, I will take action against him and put an end to the fear in the minds of the people. You have given all a chance, now please give me an opportunity to serve you,” he appealed.

Kumaraswamy said that a scientific decision needs to taken on the Yettinahole project which aims at quenching the thirst of people of parched districts of Kolar and Chikkaballapur.

“I do not wish to harm the people of the coast while implementing the project. The project will be implemented in such a way that no harm is done to the environment and ecology.”

During the interaction, senior medical practitioner Dr Shantharam Shetty said, “We need a government that will create good citizens.”