Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, April 11: Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs and senior BJP leader Pralhad Joshi on Friday launched a blistering attack on the Congress party, stating that the grand old party was not only “anti-Hindu” but also stood against the interests of Dalits.
Speaking to the media at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, the Union Minister said, “We have organised the ‘Bheem Hejje’ rally today to commemorate 100 years of B R Ambedkar’s historic visit to Nippani town in Belagavi district.”
He accused the Congress government of ignoring this significant occasion. “Despite our MLA Shashikala Jolle bringing it to the government's attention that it has been 100 years since Babasaheb Ambedkar visited Nippani town, it didn’t organise a programme. Congress commemorated Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Belagavi. But why didn’t it commemorate the 100th year of Ambedkar’s visit?” Joshi questioned.
“Had the government organised it, we wouldn’t have done it ourselves. This event reflects our commitment,” he clarified.
The Union Minister went on to level strong accusations against Congress, citing the party’s past actions. “The Congress denied him a seat in the Constituent Assembly by ceding Hindu-majority regions to Pakistan. They made him lose elections twice and prevented him from being part of the interim government,” he charged.
He added that the BJP intends to inform the public about how former prime ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi had “opposed reservations for Dalits”.
Further criticising the party’s current leadership, Joshi said, “The Congress insulted AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, and we will inform people about that too.”
According to the BJP’s Karnataka unit, a garland-laying ceremony was scheduled at the statue of Babasaheb Ambedkar located in front of Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru. Following the tribute, the rally was to commence from the grounds near the BIC Exhibition Centre.
As part of the ‘Bheem Hejje’ campaign, the BJP planned to offer floral tributes at every statue of Ambedkar located in taluk centres and villages along the route to Nippani.
The BJP’s SC Morcha, ST Morcha, and numerous party workers are actively participating in the rally. The journey will culminate with a massive convention in Nippani on April 15.