Synopsis
On April 14, Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra expressed skepticism regarding Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's dedication to the caste census report during a press conference. He highlighted internal conflicts within the Congress government and criticized the Muslim quota in government contracts, asserting that it contradicts constitutional provisions.Key Takeaways
- B.Y. Vijayendra doubts CM Siddaramaiah's seriousness about the caste census.
- Internal disagreements within the Congress party regarding the report.
- Criticism of the Muslim quota in government contracts as unconstitutional.
- Launch of Janakrosh Yatra to protest rising prices and fund misuse.
- Accusations against the government for failing to address public concerns.
Bengaluru, April 14 (NationPress) In response to the contentious caste census report, Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra raised significant concerns regarding Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's dedication to the matter.
During a press briefing at the BJP headquarters in Bengaluru, Vijayendra questioned if the Chief Minister was truly invested in the caste census report.
When prompted about comments made by All India Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha President Shankar Bidari, who stated his refusal to accept the report, Vijayendra replied, “Instead of concentrating on Mr. Shankar Bidari’s remarks, I question whether Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is genuinely committed to the census report.”
He further elaborated, “First and foremost, one must consider if the state government possesses the authority to carry out a caste census. Additionally, there are notable internal conflicts within the Congress government, with even cabinet ministers voicing their dissatisfaction with the report.”
“Let’s observe how this unfolds. The Siddaramaiah-led administration has raised the caste census issue multiple times. Each time he feels politically threatened or insecure, he revisits this topic,” Vijayendra asserted.
He pointed out that the matter was discussed in the cabinet the previous week and is slated for additional discussion on April 17 in a special cabinet meeting. “We are uncertain about the positions of senior cabinet ministers on this issue. So, let’s wait and see,” he remarked.
“This issue has lingered for years without arriving at a logical resolution. Given that senior ministers are opposed to the report, I genuinely doubt it will yield any substantial results,” Vijayendra noted.
Addressing the Muslim quota in government contracts, the BJP leader stated, “Congress leaders profess to honor Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, yet their actions contradict the Constitution. What constitutional basis exists for granting reservations to Muslims in government contracts?”
He further stated, “Both Ambedkar and the Constitution explicitly indicate that reservations cannot be provided based on religion. Nevertheless, the Siddaramaiah administration has allocated a 4 percent reservation for Muslims in government contracts. This action is unconstitutional and illegal.”
In light of this, he mentioned that the BJP has initiated the Janakrosh Yatra to protest against rising prices, the Muslim quota in contracts, and the misuse of SC/ST funds.
“We have already traversed nine districts, engaging more than 50,000 party workers and citizens. The Yatra is experiencing tremendous support throughout the state,” he added.
Vijayendra criticized the Congress for organizing a protest against the central government on April 17, labeling it a distraction tactic.
“The populace is raising questions, and as a responsible opposition party, it is our obligation to voice these concerns,” he stated. “The Siddaramaiah-led government has betrayed the citizens of the state, disrespected Hindus, and mismanaged funds designated for SC/ST welfare.”
He accused the state government of escalating petrol and diesel prices. “In the past 20 months, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government has refrained from increasing fuel prices. However, in July 2024, the Karnataka government raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3. Just two weeks ago, they hiked diesel prices by an additional Rs 2.”
“Despite collecting more revenue from fuel taxes, there is no discernible development. Karnataka has become a financial resource for the Congress party and the Gandhi family,” he alleged.
He challenged the execution of the guarantee schemes, asserting, “The government professes to offer guarantees, yet they are not reaching the citizens. These schemes seem to be activated solely during by-elections. What happens to the funding allocated for these guarantees?”
In response to inquiries about the truck drivers’ strike, Vijayendra stated, “Indeed, the ordinary citizen is greatly affected by price surges. Industrialists are equally frustrated due to rising power tariffs. Industries that were beginning to recover post-Covid are now struggling. New industries are not emerging in Karnataka.”
He concluded, “The Congress is disheartened by the achievements of our Janakrosh Yatra, which has raised public consciousness. The citizens of Karnataka are disillusioned with the state government, which has failed to promote development and is burdening them with incessant price increases. To divert attention, the Congress is protesting against the BJP-led NDA government.”
“When the Centre previously raised fuel prices, it ensured that the burden didn’t fall on the average citizen. So why is the Congress protesting now?” he questioned.
