Bangalore, 17 July (H.S.) : Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has lashed out at BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra, alleging that he annot even keep the four legs of the chair he is sitting on firmly, but is suggesting who the Congress party's prime ministerial candidate should be, not only indicates his ignorance and self-deception, but also arrogance.
A long press statement was issued regarding this, here are the full details.....
If Mr. Vijayendra has even a habit of reading, let him acquaint himself with the history of how the BJP has treated the backward classes, Dalits, and minorities of this country. Let him reflect on the shameful episode of Bangaru Laxman, a Dalit leader whom the BJP elevated as the party’s national president only to disgrace him with corruption allegations and send him to jail, a humiliation that eventually led to his death. Who was responsible for that?
The BJP never fails to flaunt the name of President Droupadi Murmu. But why has the same BJP never projected her as the Prime Minister of this country? The party brags about making A.P.J. Abdul Kalam the President, yet can Mr. Vijayendra answer why the BJP, in the current Lok Sabha, does not have a single Muslim MP? Why was not even a single Muslim leader given a ticket in the last parliamentary election?
If evidence is needed on how BJP systematically undermines backward class leaders, look no further than Karnataka. S. Bangarappa, a prominent backward class leader, was politically finished by your father B.S. Yediyurappa. And now, Mr. Vijayendra, you are attempting to end the political career of his son, Kumar Bangarappa. Both father and son have made this their family mission.
Let me tell you, be it Bangarappa or Narendra Modi, their safety in BJP exists only as long as they remain subservient to the casteist Hindutva agenda. Mr. Modi must be aware of this uncomfortable truth himself.
Mr. Vijayendra, if you are truly concerned about the dignity of Dalits and backward classes, why don’t you relinquish your position as State BJP President and offer it to a Dalit leader? In case you are struggling to find a name, let me suggest one name, which is, Govind Karjol. Though he now parrots your party’s tunes, having worked with him, I can vouch that he is fundamentally a decent man. If you or your party have the courage and conviction, declare Karjol as BJP’s State President and your Chief Ministerial face for Karnataka.
But I know you won’t. BJP’s sole purpose is to use Dalit leaders to defame those in other parties while ensuring they never rise to positions of real power or respect within the BJP itself.
And why didn’t you or your father carry the basket of ‘Chaddis’ that was mockingly placed on Chalavadi Narayanaswamy’s head by caste bigots? Do you have an answer for that, Mr. Vijayendra?
Mallikarjun Kharge is not just the AICC President but a respected statesman of this country. His rise is not through playing a 'Dalit card' but through decades of dedication, integrity, and commitment to public service. His journey never needed any political patronage. And let me be very clear, in Congress, it is our party that decides who our Prime Ministerial candidate will be, not the BJP.
Instead of wasting your time talking about Congress, Mr. Vijayendra, reflect on your own party. The RSS Sarsanghchalak, Mohan Bhagwat, has already signalled the political retirement of Narendra Modi who is now 75. This is the BJP’s golden chance to make a Dalit the next Prime Minister. Let that initiative start with you. Rather than giving lectures to others, why don’t you propose a Dalit leader as BJP’s Prime Ministerial face? Whether it is Govind Karjol or Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, if you propose their names, I will be the first to congratulate you.
But I have no illusions. The BJP’s treatment of Dalits and backward classes has always been tokenistic. Your history speaks for itself and so does your hypocrisy.
Hindusthan Samachar / Rakesh Mahadevappa
