Mangaluru : Former Prime Minister and president of the Janata Dal (Secular) H. D. Deve Gowda alleged that the law and order situation in the State has deteriorated in the last one-and-half years.

Speaking to the media persons here on Wednesday Nov 5, Mr. Gowda said that murders and atrocities against women and children indicated that the “system is not in proper order”.

The government should own up the responsibility for the deteriorating law and order, he added.

Mr. Gowda reiterated that the president of the State unit of the Janata Dal (Secular) would be selected within two weeks. The district and taluk units of the party would be restructured. Preference would be given to women in selecting office bearers of different units, as had been stated before.

He said that starting from Mangaluru on Wednesday, he would tour all Assembly constituencies in the State to strengthen the party.

Later, Mr. Gowda visited Mangaluru Press Club where he spent some time with media persons and said that media had a greater role to play in upholding principles of democracy.

Mr. Gowda also addressed party workers in the city.

MB Sadashiva, JD(S) leader, Azeez, Corporator and many others were present.