Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Saskikanth Senthil left everyone shocked with his decision to tender resignation and bid adieu to civil service. Though in an open letter, he had stated that his decision was purely personal and not connected to any individual or event, the letter also made a mention that he could not continue as a civil servant in the government when the fundamental building blocks of the diverse democracy are being compromised in an unprecedented manner. “I also feel strongly that the coming days will present extremely difficult challenges to the basic fabric of our nation and that I would be better off outside the IAS to continue with my work at making life better for all,” the open letter stated.
However, in an exclusive interview to a leading Kannada daily, Senthil has elaborated on the issues that led him to make this extreme decision.
“I have tendered resignation mainly due to the anti-people policies of the central government. The way the centre handled the abrogation of Article 370, the statements made with regard to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, decisions on Triple Talaq, Ayodhya issue and more have not been issues that could convince myself to agree with the government and hence I have decided to resign,” said Senthil adding that the centre is not working for the betterment of the people, instead it is bringing in anti-people policies in the name of ‘patriotism’.
Touring the nation
“The policies are creating a rift between the people and this same emotion of rift, ager and hatred will slowly trickle down into each and every household. Many may feel that this is a trivial issue, but it is not. This is a dangerous event which can strangle the future of this country. I refuse to be a mute spectator to such precarious development,” he told Kannada Prabha news daily.
Talking about his future plan, Senthil said that he plans to tour the entire nation. “I will neither join any political party nor build a Non Government Organisation. I intend to speak up against the anti-people policies of the centre while living as a normal citizen of this country,” he said adding that he doesnot even intend to join hands with the bureaucrats who have tendered resignations on the same lines.
“My intention is to meet like-minded people, deliberate and then spread awareness about the dangers of the trend that is catching up in the country,” he said.
Movement from Karnataka
Stating that he is a Kannadiga, despite being born in Tamil Nadu, Senthil said that he will shape his movement in Karnataka. “I will start touring the entire state very soon. The ones who can connect to what I am saying can join hands. My family has given its complete support to the decision that I have made. My resignation is a well thought after decision,” he said.
