Will Karnataka Ministers Be Restricted from Public Movement?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Govind Karjol warns of restricting Ministers' movements if internal reservation is not implemented.
- The BJP plans protests across Karnataka on August 1.
- Internal reservation has been a long-standing promise by the Congress government.
- Fertilizer shortages are raising concerns for farmers in the state.
- Political accountability is critical for social justice.
Bengaluru, July 28 (NationPress) Former Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and seasoned BJP figure Govind Karjol, a notable leader within the Dalit community, cautioned the Congress-led government on Monday. He stated that if internal reservation is not implemented promptly, the BJP will restrict the movement of Ministers throughout the state.
In a press conference in Delhi, Karjol remarked, "Following the loss in the 2018 Assembly elections, Siddaramaiah attributed his defeat to the lack of support from left-wing Dalit factions. Since then, the Congress has repeatedly promised to establish internal reservations. It was actually Prime Minister Narendra Modi who ensured the filing of an affidavit with the Supreme Court, asserting that internal reservation is fundamentally a matter of social justice."
"After convincing the court, a favorable judgment was obtained regarding internal reservation," he continued.
"Despite the court ruling, CM Siddaramaiah has failed to enforce the Supreme Court's decision for an entire year. Instead, he has made excuses and then formed a new commission. The Congress' 2023 manifesto explicitly stated that internal reservation would be enacted in the very first Cabinet meeting. With two years having gone by, no action has been taken," Karjol criticized the Congress-led state administration.
"Dalits and untouchables are growing weary of this negligence. As previously announced, a symbolic protest will occur in every district on August 1, with a memorandum submitted to the state government. If we see no resolution by then, during the Legislative session starting August 11, we will initiate a non-cooperation movement against the state government. Ministers will not be permitted to move freely in public," he warned.
"During the election period, the Congress accused the BJP of neglecting the Sadashiva Commission report and campaigned on that basis. The populace voted the party into power in the 2013 Assembly elections, and Siddaramaiah served as Chief Minister for five years — yet no progress was made."
On the issue of fertilizer shortages in the state, Karjol stated, "The government ought to have precise data regarding sowing activities during the monsoon. The necessary amount of fertilizer should have been evaluated. District in-charge Ministers should have convened meetings with officials, compiled the required data, and communicated it to the Centre."
He noted that the state government had requested 6.3 lakh metric tonnes of fertilizer, while the Centre provided 7.7 lakh metric tonnes, which was more than the request.
"Despite this, a shortage persists, demonstrating the state's incompetence," he emphasized.
Karjol also accused traders of hoarding fertilizers, creating an artificial shortage to inflate prices.
"The government must oversee fertilizer utilization among farmers. District in-charge Ministers should not merely be decorative figures — if they cannot deliver results, CM Siddaramaiah needs to seriously consider replacing them," he advised.
Additionally, CM Siddaramaiah has reached out to Union Minister J.P. Nadda regarding the urgent supply of 1.65 lakh metric tonnes of urea fertilizer as per the state's allocation.
"There is a rising demand for urea, and the deficiency is causing unrest among farmers," Siddaramaiah highlighted in his letter dated July 25.