Is State BJP President Vijayendra's Advice to Congress a Sign of Arrogance?

Bengaluru, July 17 (NationPress) In a pointed critique of Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted on Thursday that if Congress genuinely cares about the marginalized communities, they should nominate party President Mallikarjun Kharge as a candidate for Prime Minister. He emphasized that Vijayendra’s suggestion regarding the prime ministerial candidate reflects his arrogance.

In his press statement, CM Siddaramaiah remarked, "Mr. B.Y. Vijayendra, the State BJP President, who struggles to maintain the stability of his own position, dares to advise the Congress on our choice for Prime Minister. This not only showcases his ignorance and self-delusion but also highlights his arrogant entitlement."

"If Mr. Vijayendra had the habit of reading, he should familiarize himself with the BJP's treatment of backward classes, Dalits, and minorities in our country. He should consider the disgraceful incident involving Bangaru Laxman, a Dalit leader elevated by the BJP to party President, only to be marred by corruption charges that led to his demise. Who bears responsibility for that?" the Chief Minister inquired.

"The BJP consistently boasts about President Droupadi Murmu. However, why hasn’t the same party ever considered her as a potential Prime Minister? They pride themselves on having A.P.J. Abdul Kalam as President, yet can Mr. Vijayendra explain why there are no Muslim MPs in the current Lok Sabha? Why did they not give a single Muslim leader a ticket in the last parliamentary elections?" he challenged.

"If you need proof of how the BJP systematically undermines leaders from backward classes, just look at Karnataka. S. Bangarappa, a prominent backward class leader, was politically sidelined by your father, B.S. Yediyurappa. Now, Mr. Vijayendra, you are trying to end the political career of his son, Kumar Bangarappa. This has become a family mission for both father and son," Siddaramaiah stated while critiquing the Congress-led state government.

"Let me be clear, whether it's Bangarappa or Prime Minister Narendra Modi, their safety within the BJP only exists as long as they adhere to the casteist Hindutva agenda. Mr. Modi must be aware of this uncomfortable reality," he added.

"Mr. Vijayendra, if you genuinely care about the dignity of Dalits and backward classes, why not resign from your position as State BJP President and give it to a Dalit leader? If you struggle to identify one, allow me to suggest Govind Karjol," the Chief Minister proposed.

"Although he currently echoes your party’s sentiments, I can personally vouch for his decency. If you or your party possess the courage and conviction, propose Karjol as BJP's State President and your Chief Ministerial candidate for Karnataka," he demanded.

"But I know you won’t. The BJP’s only aim is to exploit Dalit leaders to tarnish the image of those in other parties while ensuring they never ascend to real power or respect within the BJP itself," he accused.

"And why didn’t you or your father challenge the caste bigots who mocked Chalavadi Narayanaswamy by placing a basket of 'Chaddis' on his head? Do you have a response for that, Mr. Vijayendra?" CM Siddaramaiah queried.

"Mallikarjun Kharge is not just the AICC President but a revered statesman in our country. His rise has not been through playing a 'Dalit card,' but through decades of commitment, integrity, and public service. His journey has never relied on political patronage. Let me clarify, in Congress, it is our party that determines our Prime Ministerial candidate, not the BJP," he stated.

"Instead of wasting your time on Congress, Mr. Vijayendra, focus on your own party. RSS Sarsanghchalak, Mohan Bhagwat, has already indicated the political retirement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is now 75. This is the BJP's golden opportunity to elevate a Dalit as the next Prime Minister," he emphasized.

"Let that initiative begin with you. Rather than lecturing others, why not propose a Dalit leader as BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate? Whether it’s Govind Karjol or Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, if you suggest their names, I will be the first to congratulate you," he asserted.

"But I harbor no illusions. The BJP’s treatment of Dalits and backward classes has always been superficial. Your history reveals everything, as does your hypocrisy," he concluded.