Karnataka Budget: BJP Warns Siddaramaiah Against Misusing Dalit Funds for Guarantee Schemes
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Synopsis
Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, Leader of Opposition in Karnataka, calls on the Congress government to refrain from using Scheduled Caste and Tribal funds meant for Dalits in the upcoming budget for guarantee schemes, criticizing the government's fund allocation practices.
Key Takeaways
- Narayanaswamy urges against fund diversion
- Criticism of Congress fund management
- Historical context of Dalit support schemes
- Impact of misuse on Dalit communities
- Call for accountability in budget allocations
Bengaluru, Feb 27 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, has emphatically urged the Congress-led administration in Karnataka, along with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, to refrain from utilizing the funds allotted under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) designated for Dalits in the forthcoming budget for guarantee schemes.
During a press conference held at the BJP state office, Jagannath Bhavan, in Bengaluru, Narayanaswamy lambasted the Congress government for its inability to appropriately allocate SCP and TSP funds.
He claimed that in the past, these schemes enabled landless Dalits to acquire land through various development corporations, including Ambedkar Corporation, Adi Jambhava Corporation, Bovi Corporation, and Valmiki Corporation. Despite reserving a staggering Rs 39,000 crore, he asserted that the government has failed to distribute even Rs 500 crore among these corporations.
Narayanaswamy vehemently opposed the redirection of funds meant for Dalits to guarantee schemes, labeling it as a significant injustice.
“They assert that funds intended for Dalits should not be spent elsewhere, yet they are repurposing it for guarantees. Public funds allocated for guarantees must not be sourced from the SCP and TSP budgets,” he emphasized.
He further criticized the Congress government for its lack of job creation opportunities for Dalit graduates, failure to offer loans or support for self-employment, and neglect in facilitating vehicle purchases for trained drivers.
“The Congress government has not provided a single vehicle to Dalit drivers. Instead, they procure lavish cars for themselves,” he remarked.
Narayanaswamy pointed out that under the BJP administration, Scheduled Castes and Tribes received 75 units of free electricity, a benefit that the Congress government has not enhanced.
He remarked, “Our people are daily wage laborers. The budget has allocated money for Dalits - but who is actually benefiting?”
He accused the Congress government of failing to construct houses for Dalits, provide land, or support vehicle purchases and Ganga Kalyana irrigation schemes. He further alleged that the government is in violation of the laws governing SCP and TSP funds.
Narayanaswamy dismissed Congress' guarantees as mere election tactics.
“To gain power, the Congress government made promises. Over the last two years, a fixed sum was allocated for their execution, including Rs 52,000 crore in the last budget,” he observed.
He ridiculed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar for previously claiming guarantees were free for all.
“Even the Chief Minister stated, 'It’s free for me and my wife too', they created the illusion that guarantees were universally available. However, their stance has since changed, imposing restrictions and limiting benefits,” he stated.
Narayanaswamy reaffirmed that the BJP has no objections to guarantees, but diverting funds allocated for Dalits, marginalized communities, and oppressed groups is a profound betrayal.
“In 2013-14, budget allocations for Scheduled Castes and Tribes reflected their population—40 percent was reserved for them, while 60 percent was for asset creation. What has Congress accomplished? This time, the Chief Minister claimed Rs 39,000 crore was designated for Dalits, but these funds should not be repurposed,” he asserted.
He accused the Congress government of misappropriating these funds, thus betraying Dalits and diverting SCP and TSP resources. “In the first year, they misallocated Rs 11,144 crore, and in the second budget, Rs 14,282 crore,” he alleged.
Narayanaswamy highlighted that while guarantee funds were inadequately allocated, the misuse of funds intended for Dalits constitutes another significant injustice. “If Dalits and backward communities become aware, gain knowledge, and comprehend Ambedkar's philosophy, there will be no room for Congress. The current state of affairs in the country reflects this,” he stated.
Narayanaswamy accused the Congress party of betraying Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and perpetuating the economic dependence of Dalit communities. “They feign assistance by launching schemes but siphon off benefits elsewhere. This is their strategy,” he concluded.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is set to unveil the budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 on March 7.
