Is Providing Excessive Benefits to Minorities an Unpardonable Offence?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Yediyurappa criticizes Karnataka's housing quota increase for minorities.
- Corruption allegations are raised against the state government.
- Calls for focused development for Scheduled Castes and Tribes.
- Political tensions rise between BJP and Congress in Karnataka.
- Future collaborations may emerge between BJP and JD(S).
Bengaluru, June 20 (NationPress) BJP Central Parliamentary Board member and former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa has launched a strong critique against the Congress government in Karnataka regarding its recent decision to increase the housing quota for minorities from 10 per cent to 15 per cent. He labeled this move as an "unpardonable offence".
Addressing reporters at the BJP state headquarters, 'Jagannath Bhavan' in Bengaluru, he stated, "We are not against minorities, but providing excessive benefits to them is an unpardonable offence. This government should focus on Scheduled Castes and Tribes instead of appeasing minorities for vote bank politics. We strongly condemn this action."
He urged the government to prioritize development and ensure justice for all societal groups.
“Corruption is widespread in the state government, and most development projects are stalled,” he claimed.
Yediyurappa expressed his concerns about the current situation, stating, “No one seems to listen to the people's issues anymore. This government is only focused on publicity and has completely disregarded development.”
He asserted that irrigation projects have faced significant delays.
“Let the government showcase even a single kilometre of newly constructed road in Karnataka,” he challenged.
He accused the current administration of operating a “Tughlaq Darbar”.
In response to a question regarding the viral audio clip of Congress MLA B.R. Patil, who allegedly remarked that payment is necessary to obtain a house under the housing scheme, Yediyurappa stated: “What B.R. Patil said is absolutely true. Nothing gets accomplished without payment, as has now been confirmed. Even impoverished individuals seeking housing are compelled to pay. The government must acknowledge its errors, rectify them, and ensure justice for the poor,” he insisted.
When asked about Union Minister and JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy's comment suggesting collective progress, Yediyurappa responded: “BJP and JD(S) are united. We will advance together. Former PM H.D. Deve Gowda has frequently expressed his confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In due course, BJP and JD(S) will collaborate to oust this government and establish our own. We are committed to this objective.”
Regarding Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi’s efforts to engage with dissenters, Yediyurappa welcomed the initiative. “I am also willing to converse with anyone dissatisfied. I plan to come to this office daily and remain until noon, as well as visit one or two districts weekly,” he announced.
The Karnataka government recently made a decision to raise the reservation for minority communities in various housing schemes across both urban and rural areas from the existing 10 per cent to 15 per cent.
This decision, made during a Cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has ignited controversy, with the BJP vowing to oppose it and initiate protests, including legal actions.