675 crores from NDRF distributed to BJP States; Wayanad experienced landslide but got nothing from the Centre: Dr. Shama Mohamed at ABP Network’s The Southern Rising Summit 2024
“It’s unrealistic to consider a ‘one country, one election’ model”: Dr. Kanimozhi Somu, DMK MP, Rajya Sabha.
“If other Chief Ministers can get things done, then why can’t you?” Jyothsna remarked on Chief Ministers’ complaining about centre-state relationship.
Kompella Madhavi Latha, BJP Leader, said, “Federalism is vital for preserving our ethnic diversity and enabling India to shine on the global stage.”
25th October 2024, Kolkata: “Federalism is the need of the hour. Given India’s immense diversity in language, culture, and climatic conditions, it’s unrealistic to consider a ‘one country, one election’ model.”, Dr. Kanimozhi Somu, DMK MP, Rajya Sabha said at ABP Network’s The Southern Rising Summit 2024. She further added, “Embracing our diversity is the true vision of India we have always imagined.”
In the session titled, “Rise of Regionalism”, Dr. Kanimozhi Somu, DMK MP, Rajya Sabha; Jyothsna Tirunagari, National Spokesperson, TDP and Ex- Telangana Telugu Mahila President;
Dr. Shama Mohamed, National Spokesperson, Indian National Congress; and Kompella Madhavi Latha, BJP Leader, ignited into a spirited debate on the growing influence of regional parties in the national politics.
Speaking on the subject of Federalism, Dr. Shama Mohamed, National Spokesperson, Indian National Congress, said, “Hyderabad is part of Bharat and no leader can change it. We have had differences in the past and now; but one size cannot fit all,”
Dr. Shama Mohamed, National Spokesperson, Indian National Congress, further remarked, “Yesterday, 675 crores from national disaster relief funds (NDRF) were distributed to Gujarat, Manipur, and Tripura. Kerala’s Wayanad also experienced huge landslide but got nothing from the Centre.”
Speaking about differential treatment for the state, Dr. Shama remarked, “Wayanad was called as Pakistan, whereas majority population, 40%, in Wayanad is Hindu. I am a Muslim married to a Christian. None of us converted. Movies like The Kerala story was demeaning to Kerala.”
Commenting on the subject, Jyothsna Tirunagari, National Spokesperson, TDP and Ex- Telangana Telugu Mahila President said, “TDP came into existence to stand for the Telugu people. True meaning of Federalism is the ability of people to talk about their rights and their states.”
“If other Chief Ministers can get things done, then why can’t you?” Jyothsna remarked on Chief Ministers’ complaining about centre-state relationship. She further remarked, “Think Globally and Act Locally needs to change to Think Globally and also Act Globally because we have to link ourselves across the world”
“Federalism is vital for preserving our ethnic diversity and enabling India to shine on the global stage, as seen in our cricket successes,” Kompella Madhavi Latha, BJP Leader, said. “The BJP champions ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ to protect our unique heritage while promoting a unified Bharat worldwide. However, issues like temple vandalism, attacks on Dalit homes, and the recent unresolved crime in West Bengal underscore the urgent need for effective federalism to ensure justice and equity.”
At the Southern Rising Summit 2024, keeping political differences aside, all four leaders discussed the challenges women continue to face in politics and in other careers.
On women empowerment, Dr. Shama Mohamed, National Spokesperson, Indian National Congress, said, “It is tough for women to be in politics or build their careers. But women need more representation in the parliament.”
Dr. Kanimozhi Somu, DMK MP, Rajya Sabha added, “Men can do one thing at a time, but women are multitaskers. We manage the entire stage. Women have to and need to be at the forefront.”
Kompella Madhavi Latha, BJP Leader, added to the conversation, “Women need to come together and unite as one. The Women’s Bill has been delayed for years. We often question what the BJP has done, but we should also ask about Congress’s actions, especially when Sonia Gandhi was in charge.”
Jyothsna Tirunagari, National Spokesperson, TDP and Ex- Telangana Telugu Mahila President, added “The major problem women face in politics is the acceptance of leadership.”
The Southern Rising Summit 2024, hosted by ABP Network, India’s premier multi-language news platform, was conceptualized as a tribute to the exceptional growth, cultural opulence, and societal harmony exemplified by the southern states of India. In its second edition, this transformative summit convened on the theme “Coming of Age: Identity, Inspiration, Impact”, with the leading voices from politics, culture, and industry converging to celebrate South India’s remarkable journey and its influential role in driving economic growth and cultural innovation across the nation.
