Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers staged protests in Shivamogga and Hassan on Monday against the Congress government in the State, alleging that it misused funds meant for the welfare of people belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
In Shivamogga, the protesters marched from the party office to the Deputy Commissioner’s. They raised slogans against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his government. Later, they submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner.
In a press conference, BJP State general secretary P. Rajeev Kudachi said, “Mr. Siddaramaiah, who came to power by claiming to be a champion of backward classes, cheated the people belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The funds earmarked under the SCP and TSP had been diverted to other government schemes.”
Ministers Priyank Kharge and H.C. Mahadevappa were evasive about the misuse of funds, he said. BJP district president N.K. Jagadish, MLC Dhananjay Sarji, and others were present.
Meanwhile, in Hassan, MP for Mysuru Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, BJP district president Siddesh Nagendra, MLA Cement Manju, and others led the protest.
Addressing the media, Mr. Yaduveer said, “As per law, the funds earmarked for the SC and ST people should be utilised for the community people. However, the State government was violating the law.”
Mr. Yaduveer demanded the government release a white paper on the utilisation of SC and ST welfare funds.
Responding to a question about Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s comment on the Kannada film fraternity, Mr. Yaduveer said that film personalities are private individuals who have the freedom to decide whether or not to attend an event. The people in power should not give statements like dictators.”
Published - March 03, 2025 06:05 pm IST
