Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 5: The BJP staged a massive protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Wednesday, alleging that the Congress-led Karnataka government had misused funds allocated under the Special Component Plan (SCP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP), which are meant for the welfare of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
Addressing the gathering, BJP state president and MLA B Y Vijayendra accused the Siddaramaiah-led government of diverting funds meant for Dalit and tribal welfare. "The corrupt and anti-Dalit Congress government must be taught a lesson. It has failed to implement its guarantees properly and is misusing funds meant for the development of SCs and STs. That is why we have gathered here today," he said.
Vijayendra announced that the BJP would continue its protest against the government’s alleged misappropriation of funds. "A massive protest will take place here again tomorrow morning, and I urge everyone to participate," he added. He emphasized that BJP governments had never misused funds meant for marginalized communities and would continue to fight against the Congress government's policies.
Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka also criticized the state government, claiming that Karnataka's treasury was empty due to financial mismanagement. "Siddaramaiah is behaving like 'Siddanna, Loot Guarantee Anna.' The government has pushed the state to the brink of bankruptcy and is diverting welfare funds to fulfill its guarantees," he alleged.
Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, stated that the BJP had launched a statewide movement against the Congress government's handling of Dalit welfare funds. He urged party workers to intensify their outreach efforts, anticipating local body elections soon.
The protest saw participation from several BJP leaders, including former deputy chief minister Dr Ashwath Narayan, MLAs S R Vishwanath, Byrathi Basavaraj, Manappa Vajjal, Uday Garudachar, Raghu, Bhagirathi Marulasiddiah, former MLA Halappa, BJP committee coordinator Dattatri, and leaders Tammesh Gowda, Sharanu Tallikeri, Umesh Shetty, and Ravindra. District BJP presidents Harish, Ramamurthy, and Saptagiri Gowda, along with party workers, were also present.