Siddaramaiah lacks conviction to take firm decisions: K'taka BJP chief on caste census

IANS April 18, 2025 292 views

Karnataka BJP chief B.Y. Vijayendra has launched a sharp critique of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's governance, questioning his decisiveness on the caste census issue. The BJP leader accused Siddaramaiah of lacking genuine intent to support backward classes and misusing funds meant for Dalit welfare. Vijayendra also raised concerns about sand mafia operations and alleged political appeasement strategies. His comments highlight the ongoing political tensions between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP in Karnataka.

"A special cabinet meeting was held on Thursday to decide on the controversial caste census... however, no decision was made" - B.Y. Vijayendra
Siddaramaiah lacks conviction to take firm decisions: K'taka BJP chief on caste census
Kalaburagi, April 18: After a cabinet meeting on the caste census ended without a major decision, Karnataka BJP president and MLA B. Y.

Key Points

1

BJP challenges Siddaramaiah's leadership on critical state policy decisions

2

Allegations of corruption in ST Development Corporation

3

Criticism of handling Veerashaiva-Lingayat religious identity

Vijayendra on Friday slammed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, saying that the latter lacks the willpower to take firm decisions. Speaking to the media, Vijayendra said: "A special cabinet meeting was held on Thursday to decide on the controversial caste census, a subject close to Siddaramaiah's heart. However, no decision was made due to the Chief Minister's lack of conviction."

"If Siddaramaiah had genuine intent to do justice to the Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes, such a massive scam wouldn't have been allowed in the ST Development Corporation. The misuse of Rs 38,500 crore earmarked for Dalit welfare would not have happened," he added.

When asked about students being asked to remove their sacred thread (Janivara) during the Common Entrance Test, he said it is unacceptable.

On the sand mafia in the state, he said: "I recently visited the Chittapur constituency, represented by Minister for RDPR, IT and BT Priyank Kharge. The sand mafia is operating openly in the Kagina River, right under his nose. Four to five trucks are running with the same number plate. The illegal sand trade has spread to Maharashtra and other neighbouring states."

He questioned whether Kharge was unaware of the crime.

"Everyone is talking about the corruption and sand mafia flourishing right under his nose. Why is daylight robbery being allowed in his district? What benefit is he getting from this? He must answer," Vijayrendra said.

Vijayendra also slammed Siddaramaiah for the latter's claim that he is a devotee of Basavanna, saying he should first understand the deeper meaning of the 12th-century saint's teachings.

"Basavanna dreamt of an equal society and lived by his words. But you (Siddaramaiah) stoked fire by speaking of Veerashaiva-Lingayat as separate religions," he alleged.

He reminded that even Deputy CM D. K. Shivakumar had once publicly apologised for attempting to split Veerashaiva-Lingayat into separate religions, saying it should not have been done.

"Unfortunately, people voted them back to power. Now, to appease minorities, they are insulting Hindus," he said.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
The caste census issue has been dragging on for too long. If the CM is serious about social justice, he should take decisive action instead of endless meetings. The BJP has a point here.
P
Priya M.
While I don't always agree with BJP, the sand mafia issue is real! 🚛 We've seen illegal sand mining destroy riverbeds in our village too. Why isn't the government taking stronger action?
S
Suresh D.
Making students remove sacred threads during exams is completely unnecessary. There must be a way to maintain exam integrity while respecting religious sentiments.
A
Ananya R.
The article seems one-sided - only BJP's perspective is shown. The government might have valid reasons for delaying the caste census decision. More balanced reporting would be appreciated.
V
Vikram J.
Basavanna's teachings are indeed about equality, but dragging religious figures into political debates rarely helps. Both sides should focus on governance rather than scoring points.
M
Meena S.
The Rs 38,500 crore scam allegation is serious if true! 💰 We need transparency in how welfare funds are used, regardless of which party is in power. Accountability matters most.

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Tags:
Karnataka Politics Siddaramaiah B.Y. Vijayendra BJP Caste Census Dalit Welfare
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