Ballot, not bullet, can lead to social change: Venkaiah Naidu

Tirupati: The Vice-President of India, M Venkaiah Naidu, has underscored that violence has no place in a democracy to resolve issues however grave they may be. 

Condemning the killing of two tribal leaders - MLA Kidari Sarvesvara Rao and former MLA Siveri Soma – in Visakhapatnam district by Maoists, he said that if one fires bullets at someone, he must realise that he would also have to face bullets from the other side.

He was speaking at a meeting organised by Rashtriya Seva Samithi (RASS) in Tirupati on Tuesday. Venkaiah opined, “if they believe their philosophy is correct and wish to do service to people, then they should go to the people, mingle with them, get their support and bring about change in the society. Any change they want to bring in the society can be effected through ballot only and not with bullet. Ballet is more powerful than bullet.”

Turning his attention to the issue of ‘Women empowerment and farmers development,’ he advised the farmers to take to poultry, dairy or horticulture to increase ancillary income. Studies reveal that no one in dairy or poultry industry committed suicide whereas several farmers who depended on cultivation solely could not make both ends meet and thus took recourse to the extreme act.

As farmers are not getting remunerative prices for their produce, it is the duty of governments to step in and come to their rescue. Extending timely credit as well as setting up cold storages and ensuring marketing support are essential. The farmers too should insist on such measures rather than merely clamour for loan waivers. 

The Vice-President recalled that former Chief Minister NT Rama Rao had announced that those who repaid their loans within the stipulated time would be levied only four per cent interest. Such measures are worthy of emulation.  

On the issue of empowerment of women, he observed that from the time of Ithihasas, women got respect and even people worshipped Goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswathi and Parvathi as ministers for finance, education and defence respectively.

The atrocities on would negate our ancient tradition and culture and it could be curbed by ushering in a sea change in the society and strict enforcement of laws. He called upon NGOs and grassroots organisations to reach government schemes and benefits to the women in rural areas.

He was all praise for RASS, which completed 37 years of yeoman service, and its General Secretary G Munirathnam for taking various initiatives for bettering the lot of women and farmers. On the occasion, the Vice-President felicitated ideal farmers and handed over keys of two autorickshaws to women drivers.

Minister N Amarnath Reddy listed out various schemes covering various facets of women from birth to death. RASS General Secretary Munirathnam presented a report and welcomed dignitaries. Chittoor MP Dr N Siva Prasad, ZP Chairperson S Geervani, Tirupati MLA M Suguna, TUDA Chairman G Narasimha Yadav, Srikalahasti MLA B Gopalakrishna Reddy, Collector PS Pradyumna and others took part.