Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Sep 16: "South Indians are intelligent and skilled. But they lack the aggression and courage to resist injustice and rarely stand up for their rights," observed Karnataka Governor Vajubai Rudabhai Vala. He was speaking at the birth anniversary celebrations of Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya here on Sunday September 15.

"In this part of the country, no one questions officials who indulge in corruption. Because of this attitude, the officials get encouragement to resort to corruption. There have been instances in which they have accepted gold ornaments in place of cash. I urge people to develop the habit of complaining to the government against officials who demand bribe," he stated.

Vala noted that after the implementation of Goods and Services Tax regime, the officials have been found collecting bribe in the guise of unjustified reasons. He advised the people to be vigilant about officials who seek bribe. "In a democracy, everyone should follow the law of the land. It does not matter if he is the son of the chief minister or influential politician. Everyone who commits mistakes should face punishment. Such people cannot escape from punishment," he said, in a comment which seemed to refer to a former minister from the state.