A model parliament should be created in schools and colleges: Karnataka Chief Minister

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara and Social Welfare Minister KH Muniyappa during the International Democracy Day event in Bengaluru on Tuesday. | Photo credit: ALLEN EGENUSE J.

Stating the need to encourage new leadership, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday said model parliaments should be set up in schools and colleges to create a “youth parliament”.

Speaking here on the occasion of International Democracy Day, the Chief Minister said the ‘youth parliament’ should have the spirit of social reformer Basavanna’s Anubhava Mantapa. “Thus, the concept of Anubhava Mantapa, which is considered to be the first Parliament, will be introduced,” he said. He added that India is a model of world democracy through Anubhava Mantapa.

The Chief Minister said that the leadership should grow and the youth should understand the democratic set-up. “That’s why we have decided to hold elections in every college. We don’t know who has the spark. Everyone should get an opportunity in leadership. A real leader is one who creates leadership,” he said.

Stating that leaders face hurdles at every step, the Chief Minister recalled how he faced hurdles in his leadership ambitions in school and college.

Mr. Shivakumar said the legal bank was opened after Rahul Gandhi said legal teams were required in every taluk to provide guidance. “We have a situation where about a million people are disenfranchised. No one should be disenfranchised. Arrangements are being made to provide proof of residency and proof of income to ensure that 47 million people get on the electoral roll.”

He said: “Democracy is not just about elections, but real democracy provides dignity, respect and rights to live. If people fear the government, it becomes a dictatorship. When the government respects the people, it is a democracy.”

International Democracy Day was celebrated at various places across Karnataka.

Published – 15 Sep 2026 22:36 IST