Blame game should not be misconstrued as debate: Govindacharya

Political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, should be careful in creating public opinion on various matters affecting the country, former BJP national general secretary K N Govindacharya said here today.
"Political leaders and social workers should strive to get the confidence of the people on various issues affecting the nation. Debates should be substantial; blame game should not be misconstrued as debate. Many debates are going on relating to intolerance but the basic quality of the debate is missing," he said.
Govindacharya said healthy discussions should be on highlighting mutual respect, cultural heritage and policies for the development of society and added that freedom of expression should be promoted in a democratic country.

Asked for his opinion on PM Narendra Modi's functioning, he said he had worked with Modi, but did not wish to evaluate any leader or administrator now as he had retired from active politics.
Ultimately people have their opinion, which will reflect in the polls, he said.
"I took leave from BJP in 2003 to carve out a new institution, the Bharat Vikas Sangham, to help improve the environment, nature, agriculture and poor sections of people in the country," Govindacharya said.
He claimed that over 12 lakh people had participated in the Sangham's conference last year in Kolhapur in Maharashtra and added that its three day youth conference would be held in Varanasi from February 5.

Any group or organisation, irrespective of region, zone and working for the poor can join the Sangham, he said.