Belagavi, Dec 19 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has charged that the Siddaramaiah administration has misappropriated Rs 39,000 crore, designated for the welfare of Dalits, towards guarantee schemes, leading to a demand for the resignation of H.C. Mahadevappa, the Minister for Social Welfare.

During a press briefing on Friday, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, insisted that Minister Mahadevappa step down immediately, accusing him of failing to support the Dalit community and of betraying its interests.

Narayanaswamy asserted that Minister Mahadevappa is anti-Dalit, claiming he is more focused on satisfying his political superiors, engaging in corrupt practices, and enriching his family rather than uplifting marginalized communities.

He further claimed that the minister's governance disrespects Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, stating, “If Dr. Ambedkar were alive today, he would have shown such individuals their rightful place.” Narayanaswamy accused Mahadevappa of undermining the Dalit community and misappropriating funds intended for the Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCP) and Tribal Sub Plan (TSP), thus cheating the public and denying Dalits their rightful benefits.

Moreover, Narayanaswamy alleged that there is significant discrimination in internal reservations, with no subgroup receiving fair treatment, announcing plans to introduce a Bill addressing this issue.

He accused the government of rerouting SCP and TSP funds, which he claims constitutes an injustice to the Scheduled Castes and Dalit communities. He described the government's actions as condemnable and stated that Minister Mahadevappa is heavily involved in corrupt activities.

Referring to the government's claims, Narayanaswamy noted that an allocation of Rs 42,000 crore was made this year for the welfare of Scheduled Castes under SCP and TSP. However, over the past three years, Rs 39,000 crore has been diverted to guarantee programs. He emphasized that SCP and TSP funds are specifically earmarked for Dalit welfare.

“These funds should have been utilized to construct homes, provide transportation for youth to foster self-employment, extend financial aid for businesses, implement Ganga Kalyana schemes, and enhance basic infrastructure like roads in Dalit areas,” he stated.

Instead, he claimed, the government has distributed treasury funds under guarantee schemes, deceiving Dalits by misrepresenting SCP and TSP funds as guarantee money. “Had the government not initiated guarantee programs, where would the Rs 42,000 crore have been allocated? It would have been entirely directed toward the development of Dalit communities,” he argued.

He questioned whether the denial of treasury funds to Dalits under guarantee schemes constitutes deception, noting that the community has yet to fully grasp this injustice.

Narayanaswamy added, “I do not refer to all organizations, but some have been compromised. Regardless of what occurs, they remain aligned with the Congress and refrain from protesting.”

He accused the Congress party of silencing dissent by offering inducements.

Legislative Council members Hemalata Nayak and S. Keshav Prasad were also present at the press conference.