Daijiwolrd Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 14: Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra on Monday cast serious doubts over chief minister Siddaramaiah’s commitment to the caste census report, questioning the government’s intentions and unity on the issue.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters here, Vijayendra remarked, “Before discussing others’ opinions, it is important to ask whether Siddaramaiah himself is serious about implementing the caste census report.”
Reacting to All India Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha president Shankar Bidari’s refusal to accept the report, Vijayendra said the focus should not be on individuals, but rather on the chief minister’s own political motives.
“The first question is whether the state government even has the authority to conduct a caste census. Secondly, internal differences within the Congress cabinet are evident. Several ministers are themselves unhappy with the report,” he alleged.
Vijayendra further claimed that the caste census has been brought up by Siddaramaiah only when he feels politically threatened. “Whenever he fears losing his position, this issue resurfaces. Let’s wait and see. Even now, senior ministers have not clearly stated their stand,” he said, adding that the upcoming cabinet meeting on April 17 will reveal more.
On the issue of Muslim quota in government contracts, Vijayendra accused the Congress of violating constitutional norms. “Congress leaders say they revere Dr B R Ambedkar, yet their actions betray his principles. Reservations based on religion are unconstitutional, yet the Siddaramaiah government has allotted 4 per cent reservation for Muslims in government tenders,” he said.
Vijayendra pointed out that this was against the spirit of the Constitution and termed the move illegal.
Highlighting the BJP’s ongoing Janakrosh Yatra, Vijayendra said the party was protesting against the Congress government’s decision on fuel price hikes, reservation for Muslims in contracts, and the misuse of SC/ST funds.
“The Yatra has covered nine districts so far, drawing participation from over 50,000 people. The response has been overwhelming,” he said.
Accusing the Congress of trying to divert public attention, Vijayendra criticised the party’s decision to stage a protest against the Union government on April 17. “The people are questioning the Congress government’s failure. Instead of answering, they are trying to shift the blame onto the Centre,” he said.
He alleged that Karnataka had been reduced to an "ATM" for the Congress and the Gandhi family. “Despite the rise in fuel taxes, there is no sign of development. Instead, the burden is being passed onto the people,” he claimed.
Vijayendra also took aim at the guarantee schemes announced by the Congress government, alleging that they were selectively implemented during by-elections and questioning where the allocated funds were being diverted.
On the truck drivers’ strike that has begun across the state, Vijayendra said the hardships faced by the common man and industrialists due to rising diesel prices and power tariffs were a direct result of the state government’s poor decisions.
Industries that were recovering post-Covid are now struggling again, he said, and lamented that no new investments were flowing into Karnataka.
Concluding his remarks, Vijayendra said, “Our Janakrosh Yatra has exposed the failures of the Congress government. The people are tired of price hikes, false promises, and lack of governance. The Congress is frustrated because their failures are now visible to everyone.”