Karnataka BJP Chief Critiques Siddaramaiah's Decision-Making on Caste Census
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Synopsis
Karnataka BJP president B. Y. Vijayendra criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for his indecision on the caste census after a cabinet meeting failed to yield results, pointing to issues of corruption and the sand mafia, while questioning the government's commitment to minority welfare.
Key Takeaways
- B. Y. Vijayendra criticized Siddaramaiah's indecision.
- No resolution on the caste census was reached.
- Corruption in the ST Development Corporation was highlighted.
- The sand mafia operates openly in the state.
- Vijayendra questions Siddaramaiah's commitment to Hindus.
Kalaburagi, April 18 (NationPress) Following a cabinet meeting regarding the caste census that concluded without a significant outcome, Karnataka BJP president and MLA B. Y. Vijayendra criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday, asserting that the Chief Minister lacks the determination to implement decisive actions.
In a media interaction, Vijayendra stated: "A special cabinet meeting took place on Thursday to discuss the contentious caste census, a topic of great importance to Siddaramaiah. However, no resolution was reached due to the Chief Minister's lack of conviction."
"If Siddaramaiah genuinely aimed to advocate for the Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes, such a significant scandal wouldn't have been permitted in the ST Development Corporation. The misappropriation of Rs 38,500 crore designated for Dalit welfare wouldn't have occurred," he continued.
When queried about students being instructed to remove their sacred thread (Janivara) during the Common Entrance Test, he deemed it unacceptable.
Regarding the sand mafia operating in the state, he remarked: "I recently toured the Chittapur constituency, which is represented by Minister for RDPR, IT and BT Priyank Kharge. The sand mafia is conducting operations brazenly in the Kagina River, right under his watch. Four to five trucks, all bearing the same license plate, are in operation. The illegal sand trade has expanded into Maharashtra and adjacent states."
He questioned whether Kharge was oblivious to the ongoing crime.
"Everyone is discussing the corruption and the sand mafia thriving right under his gaze. Why is such blatant theft being tolerated in his district? What advantage is he gaining from this? He needs to provide answers," Vijayendra asserted.
Furthermore, Vijayendra criticized Siddaramaiah for claiming to be a follower of Basavanna, insisting that he should first grasp the profound significance of the teachings of the 12th-century saint.
"Basavanna envisioned an egalitarian society and lived according to his principles. Yet, you (Siddaramaiah) have incited division by asserting that Veerashaiva–Lingayat are distinct religions," he alleged.
He reminded that even Deputy CM D. K. Shivakumar had previously apologized for attempting to divide Veerashaiva–Lingayat into separate religions, stating it was a mistake.
"Regrettably, people re-elected them. Now, in an effort to please minorities, they are disrespecting Hindus," he concluded.
