Bengaluru: In a fiery address to reporters in Lokapura, Bagalkot district, BJP state president BY Vijayendra launched a vehement attack on the Congress government, accusing it of attempting to sow discord among Hindus and Muslims through an unscientific caste census. His remarks follow a series of critical statements from Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge’s assertion that Prime Minister Narendra Modi intends to unseat the state government, a claim Vijayendra characterizes as a reflection of the ruling party’s faltering confidence.
Vijayendra highlighted a troubling narrative among the Congress MLAs, stating, “One MLA has expressed his despair to the point of contemplating suicide, while another laments his lack of access to necessary funds.” This internal strife, he claims, paints a stark picture of a government that is failing its representatives and the public alike. “They are proclaiming what a poor government this is,” he added, underscoring the discontent brewing within the ranks of the ruling party.
Citing comments from the Chief Minister’s economic advisor, Vijayendra asserted that Karnataka has taken the dubious honor of being labeled the most corrupt state in the country. “This is a direct indictment of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s administration, whose own MLAs are now turning against him,” he declared, emphasizing the erosion of trust and support for the Congress government.
Sidda Making state a mini-Pakistan; R Ashok
CM Siddaramaiah is on a mission to turn Karnataka into a mini-Pakistan, and the Congress government has a time bomb set for November, said Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, R Ashoka, on April 15.
Speaking at the BJP’s Janakrosha Yatra held in Belagavi he remarked that this is not a BJP agitation but a march of public outrage. “People are suffering due to rising prices. The BJP is fighting for the people. CM Siddaramaiah is on a mission to transform Karnataka into Pakistan,” he said.
He added, “There are suspicions of foreign interference in Siddaramaiah’s efforts to label Muslims as number one. In his attempt to appease Muslims, he is trying to create a divided society and establish a mini Pakistan. Some terrorists have distributed letters stating their intent to turn India into Pakistan.”
Ashoka claimed that a time bomb has been fixed for Siddaramaiah’s chair in November. “He knows he must step down from the CM position; that’s why he is doing all this. They are imposing taxes on the poor in the state. The central Congress is treating Karnataka and Telangana like its ATM. This is a political drama to hold onto the Chief Minister’s chair,” he accused.
He further criticised the home ministers in the state, saying they are not taking any action. “No matter how many crimes occur, they find it normal. Congress leaders know they won’t be in power next time. Prices of essentials like milk and liquor have been increased, and taxes on garbage have been imposed. BBMP officials are now taxing based on vehicle parking,” Ashoka alleged.
Later, speaking to reporters, he stated that Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi looted Rs 7,500 from a company in which they invested Rs 50 lakhs, established by freedom fighters. “An investigation is underway as per court directions, but Congress leaders are raising their voices against it. When they are involved in such corruption, what morality do they have to accuse the BJP?” he questioned.
Congress legislator urged Lingayat MLAs to resign
In a pointed demand aimed at members of the Karnataka government, Channagiri Congress MLA Basavaraj Sivaganga urged Lingayat ministers to resign immediately for their silence on the release of the caste census report. His comments, made during a press conference, reflect rising frustrations within the Lingayat community regarding what they perceive as a lack of representation and urgency in addressing their interests.
Sivaganga expressed his discontent by highlighting the swift response of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who had called a meeting following comments suggesting that the Vokkaliga community faced injustice. “That’s why we like him,” he acknowledged. However, he contrasted this with what he views as indifference from the seven Lingayat ministers in the cabinet who have yet to voice concerns over the caste census report. “Despite the multiple attempts to engage them in conversations about this issue, our inquiries remain unanswered,” he lamented.
The MLA revealed a specific instance where he attempted to connect with fellow party member Ishwar Khandre without success, further accentuating his frustration. “He doesn’t do anything,” he declared, criticising not only Khandre but also the collective inefficacy of the Lingayat ministers. “They are incompetent, and I demand their resignation for their lack of action concerning the caste census,” he asserted, highlighting that while the Vokkaliga ministers have actively defended their community, the Lingayat ministers have been conspicuously absent from the dialogue.
Sivaganga accused the Lingayat ministers of prioritizing their political aspirations over the needs of their community. “It seems our ministers are engaged in politics solely for their own interests,” he contended, adding that they appear indifferent to the caste census issue. “They do not need it, but we will unite with all aggrieved communities to challenge these injustices,” he vowed, suggesting that this coalition would extend beyond just Lingayats and Vokkaligas to encompass all marginalised groups.
On the subject of ongoing community engagement, Sivaganga announced plans to conduct a survey within the Channagiri constituency. “I will present a comprehensive report in two to three days,” he stated, reinforcing his commitment to accountability. “We prioritize providing answers and solutions for all communities in our constituency.”
He urged the cabinet to engage in discussions around the caste census report on Thursday, warning against its release until all necessary surveys are completed. “It should not be made public prematurely,” he cautioned, reinforcing a demand for thoroughness and inclusivity in the decision-making process.
Sivaganga expressed his discontent by highlighting the swift response of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who had called a meeting following comments suggesting that the Vokkaliga community faced injustice. “That’s why we like him,” he acknowledged. However, he contrasted this with what he views as indifference from the seven Lingayat ministers in the cabinet who have yet to voice concerns over the caste census report. “Despite the multiple attempts to engage them in conversations about this issue, our inquiries remain unanswered,” he lamented.
The MLA revealed a specific instance where he attempted to connect with fellow party member Ishwar Khandre without success, further accentuating his frustration. “He doesn’t do anything,” he declared, criticizing not only Khandre but also the collective inefficacy of the Lingayat ministers. “They are incompetent, and I demand their resignation for their lack of action concerning the caste census,” he asserted, highlighting that while the Vokkaliga ministers have actively defended their community, the Lingayat ministers have been conspicuously absent from the dialogue.
Sivaganga accused the Lingayat ministers of prioritizing their political aspirations over the needs of their community. “It seems our ministers are engaged in politics solely for their own interests,” he contended, adding that they appear indifferent to the caste census issue. “They do not need it, but we will unite with all aggrieved communities to challenge these injustices,” he vowed, suggesting that this coalition would extend beyond just Lingayats and Vokkaligas to encompass all marginalised groups.
On the subject of ongoing community engagement, Sivaganga announced plans to conduct a survey within the Channagiri constituency. “I will present a comprehensive report in two to three days,” he stated, reinforcing his commitment to accountability. “We prioritize providing answers and solutions for all communities in our constituency.”
He urged the cabinet to engage in discussions around the caste census report on Thursday, warning against its release until all necessary surveys are completed. “It should not be made public prematurely,” he cautioned, reinforcing a demand for thoroughness and inclusivity in the decision-making process.
Sivaganga also expressed his support for veteran politician Shamanur Shivashankarappa’s stance on the matter. “There is wisdom in his words,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of including diverse community voices in political discourse. “Politics requires contributions from all communities. The elders have articulated the concerns of our society, and I stand with them in this fight,” he concluded, signaling a determination to advocate for a more equitable and representative political environment.
