Bengaluru, Sep 11 (IANS): Karnataka BJP on Wednesday called upon party workers to stage a statewide protest on Thursday over the alleged statements on withdrawing reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes made by Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, during his US visit.

Addressing a party leaders' meeting in Chikkamagaluru, BJP MLA and General Secretary, V Sunil Kumar said, “The BJP will protest in all taluk headquarters across the state, condemning the statements made by Rahul Gandhi. The party is also calling on its workers to lay siege to the Congress leaders attending public functions in the state.”

“In opposition to the Congress party’s anti-reservation stance, we are calling for a statewide protest starting from Thursday. By the time Rahul Gandhi returns to India from his US trip, the Congress party should issue a statement apologising for his remarks,” he added.

“The reservation guaranteed by the Constitution have come under threat due to the statement made by Rahul Gandhi. His statement also reveals the mindset of the Congress party. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and many Congress leaders often deliver lengthy speeches on the Constitution. Will CM Siddaramaiah condemn Rahul Gandhi’s statements now?” Sunil Kumar questioned.

“Why is CM Siddaramaiah, who often speaks on social justice, silent? He should come forward and answer questions regarding reservation,” he demanded.

“The Congress party is becoming insecure with the development of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes who are achieving progress by utilising quota benefits. Concerns have been raised to the extent that, if the Congress party were to come to power, it would have to cancel reservation,” he stated.

“The BJP assures that it will not allow the cancellation of reservation in the country and is committed to maintaining them. The quotas will continue. Rahul Gandhi's statements in this regard are indefensible. He should apologise to the country,” Sunil Kumar stated.

“The Congress party has shed crocodile tears over reservation so far and pretended to be a protector of the Constitution, but in reality, the party is anti-Constitution. The Congress party imposed the Emergency, amended the Constitution, and now lectures on the Constitution,” Sunil Kumar maintained.

Meanwhile, Karnataka BJP took to X on Wednesday, stating, "Opposing reservation, sidelining Dalit leaders, and constantly neglecting the oppressed have become ingrained in the Congress party. In continuation of this policy, the anti-Dalit Rahul Gandhi has stated in America that he would revoke reservation. The anti-Dalit and anti-Constitution stance of the Congress party, which only uses oppressed communities for vote-bank politics and then discards them, has been exposed."

BJP raps Rahul over anti-reservation remarks in US

Meanwhile, Karnataka BJP slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his anti-reservation remarks in the US and called for burning his effigies for two days to protest against the issue.

Talking to media persons at Jagannath Bhavan, the BJP state office in Bengaluru, BJP MLC N. Ravi Kumar said: "Rahul Gandhi said in the US that he would stop reservations. Talking about revoking it is an insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar. The father of the Constitution has provided reservation for the welfare of Dalits. Is Congress abandoning Babasaheb's ideas?"

"We must respect and protect the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). In this regard, we will burn Rahul Gandhi's effigy across the state tomorrow and the day after as well," he said.

"In our country, reservation is the birthright of SCs and STs. It is not a charity by the Congress. Reservations were given for the welfare of Dalits, to protect their lives, provide security and ensure they live with dignity," said Ravi Kumar.

"In 1955, during the Kaka Kalelkar Committee report, late former PM Jawahar Lal Nehru had opposed reservations," he said.

"In Karnataka, CM Siddaramaiah has transferred Rs 25,000 crore meant for SCs and STs to other departments. Funds meant for the development of STs under the Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation were used for the Ballari elections. They looted Rs 187 crore," he claimed.

"If the Congress party comes to power, Rahul has hinted at his intention to end reservations. His anger and opinion about reservations were expressed in his speech in America," Ravi claimed.

"On September 6, 1990, former PM Rajiv Gandhi opposed the Mandal Commission report and reservations. Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi both opposed reservations. The Congress party has never liked the reservations provided in the Constitution. When the Congress was in power, they introduced 106 amendments to the Constitution. The Congress party has continuously insulted and disrespected the Constitution," Ravi pointed out.