Bagalkot (Karnataka), March 31 (NationPress) Experienced Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Opposition Leader in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, issued a challenge to Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for a public debate. He emphasized that he would step back from politics if Siddaramaiah could adequately respond to his inquiries about the injustices faced by Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, backward classes, and minorities in Karnataka.

During a press conference at the BJP's district office, Narayanaswamy asserted that if Siddaramaiah cannot provide satisfactory answers, he too should acknowledge his defeat and exit politics.

He accused the Congress-led administration under Siddaramaiah of leaving the state in a state of stagnation.

"The entire world acknowledges India's growth, yet they simply refer to it as 'Surrender Modi'," Narayanaswamy remarked, questioning the Congress leaders' sense of shame.

"Where has Prime Minister Modi surrendered? He is a resilient leader capable of navigating crises effectively," he continued.

Narayanaswamy warned that if Congress were at the helm of the nation today, India would resemble Pakistan, struggling for survival.

He probed if the state government's guarantee schemes would be nullified should Congress lose in the Bagalkot and Davanagere South Assembly constituencies.

"Will these guarantees cease just in these two constituencies or statewide?" he questioned, accusing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Congress leaders of practicing intimidation politics.

He claimed that Siddaramaiah has been stationed in the region for five days due to fears of defeat and instability in the state government, as well as worries that Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar might take over if they lose.

Furthermore, he alleged that the state government has manipulated administrative resources in both Assembly constituencies by deploying educators and officials from various sectors for political ends, as reported in the media.

Narayanaswamy noted that despite promises, the state administration has failed to enhance wages or improve working conditions for anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, and paramedical personnel, who persist in their protests.

"On one side, there are announcements, and on the other, there is exploitation," he criticized the government's treatment of SCs and STs.

He alleged that out of the Rs 42,000 crore earmarked for Scheduled Caste Sub Plan and Tribal Sub-Plan initiatives, Rs 21,000 crore was rerouted to other departments, Rs 14,000 crore was allocated for guarantee schemes, leaving only Rs 7,000 crore for social welfare.

"The remainder is fabricated, misleading, and deceptive," Narayanaswamy asserted.

He also condemned the government for allocating these funds to events such as Constitution Day and Democracy Day.

Additionally, he claimed that of the Rs 500 crore pledged for SC/ST corporations, even Rs 200 crore has not been disbursed, leaving Dalits distressed due to insufficient funding for asset development.

He stated that in the Davanagere South Assembly constituency, power is monopolized by one family, while minorities and Dalits have united to challenge Congress in both Bagalkot and Davanagere South Assembly constituencies.

Narayanaswamy also alleged that due to a depleted treasury, the state government has yet to fill 2.84 lakh vacant positions, claiming that nearly four lakh roles remain unfilled.

He criticized the state government for its neglect of education and healthcare, accusing it of fostering divisions within communities, even regarding internal reservations.

He concluded by reaffirming that the BJP has consistently supported Dalits and honors B.R. Ambedkar.