Bengaluru, Feb 23 (NationPress) The President of Karnataka's BJP, B.Y. Vijayendra, asserted on Monday that the Congress-led administration has been systematically targeting the Banjara community since taking office.

This statement came in light of the arrest of BJP MLA Chandru Lamani, who is a member of the Banjara community.

Vijayendra accused the Congress government of being unable to accept the Banjara community's unwavering support for the BJP. He further claimed that injustices and neglect towards this community have intensified since Siddaramaiah assumed the role of Chief Minister.

In a recent incident, when the Deputy Chief Minister attended a gathering for the Banjara community, a group of youths protested and surrounded him. Rather than addressing their grievances, the Deputy Chief Minister allegedly departed and lodged an FIR against the protestors.

Vijayendra stated that the Congress party has been targeting the community ever since and added that MLA Chandru Lamani would navigate the legal proceedings ahead.

He mentioned that multiple audio recordings have surfaced, emphasizing the need to verify their authenticity.

It is noteworthy that MLA Chandru Lamani, representing the Shirahatti constituency, was apprehended by the Karnataka Lokayukta last Saturday regarding an alleged bribery case in Laxmeshwar town of Gadag district, subsequently placed in judicial custody.

The Lokayukta team reportedly apprehended Lamani while he was allegedly receiving Rs 5 lakh from a contractor as part of a larger bribe request. His personal assistant, Manjunath Valmiki, and private assistant, Guru Lamani, were also detained for questioning during the operation.

According to the Lokayukta, Lamani purportedly demanded Rs 11 lakh from a Class I contractor, identified as Vijay Poojar, related to the allotment of a contract under the Minor Irrigation Department. This bribe was reportedly connected to the construction of a roadside retaining wall.

Regarding the upcoming Budget Session starting in the first week of March, Vijayendra mentioned that party discussions are in progress.

He stated that he and the Leader of Opposition, R. Ashoka, would strategize on their approach in the House. Following initial discussions, they plan to consult senior leaders to finalize the party's strategy.

Challenging Minister Priyank Kharge on his comments about corruption, Vijayendra questioned whether he had the ethical grounds to discuss alleged corruption involving the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.

The state BJP leader alleged that various scams, including the Valmiki Corporation scam and the MUDA scam, emerged shortly after the government took over. He raised concerns about whether funds from the Valmiki Corporation were utilized for electoral purposes.

Describing the situation as akin to “the devil quoting scripture,” he stated that the Congress party lacks the moral authority to lecture others on corruption. He insisted that corruption should not be viewed through a caste lens and urged for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth.

On the Chief Minister's claims of being targeted due to his background from a backward shepherd community, Vijayendra remarked that Siddaramaiah's grievances are not directed at the BJP but stem from discontent within his own party.

He appealed to the Chief Minister, noting that while it is commendable for someone from a shepherd community to attain the Chief Minister position, it is crucial that funds be allocated to backward class development corporations in the next Budget. He affirmed that the BJP will strongly advocate for this demand.