Tirupati: Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu expressed his concerns over the decline of values in politics, noting the rise of leaders using abusive language. Speaking at an intellectual seminar in Tirupati, Naidu stated that in the last Andhra Pradesh elections, voters rejected leaders who resorted to offensive language, sending them home with significant losses. He highlighted that those who engaged in threats and intimidation tactics were also defeated, reinforcing that in a democracy, people use the polling booth to express their discontent.
Naidu emphasized the growing influence of money, caste, religion, and regionalism in elections, stressing that these factors had overshadowed important issues. He called for an electoral shift, urging voters to challenge any political party promising freebies, as such practices undermine democracy. “Freebies lead to the weakening of democratic values,” he remarked.
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Naidu also emphasized his own personal integrity, stating, “I have never taken a single rupee from anyone during elections.” He proposed strengthening the anti-defection law, suggesting that any elected representative wishing to join another party should first resign from their post.
Additionally, Naidu advocated for simultaneous elections across the country, noting that such an approach would save the nation approximately Rs 12,000 crores. Despite the Election Commission’s recommendation, the BJP-led government has not pursued this path, Naidu pointed out. He reiterated that India should focus on becoming a developed nation with the active cooperation of its citizens.