Mysuru: Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, launched a scathing attack on the Congress party on Wednesday, accusing it of betraying the Dalit community for decades. Speaking to reporters, he alleged that Congress has consistently denied Dalits the opportunity to become chief minister and has used them merely as a vote bank for over 70 years.
Leadership Change No Help to Dalits
Referring to internal developments within Congress, Narayanaswamy claimed that the party high command has initiated discussions on a leadership change. However, he asserted that replacing Siddaramaiah with DK Shivakumar would make no difference to the Dalit community. "Only the BJP can genuinely make a Dalit chief minister. Miracles happen only in our party," he said.
Zero Achievement Government
Narayanaswamy criticized the Siddaramaiah-led government, labeling it a "zero achievement" administration that survives solely on the strength of its five guarantee schemes. He alleged that payments under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme have been delayed for months and questioned the government over unfulfilled promises of providing 10 kg of rice to families.
He also raised concerns about poor conditions in Scheduled Caste hostels, rising unemployment among educated youth, and unresolved issues related to internal reservation within the Dalit community.
Call to Action for Dalits
Calling Congress a "true anti-Dalit party," Narayanaswamy urged Dalits to demonstrate their political strength in the 2028 assembly elections. He expressed confidence that the BJP would return to power in Karnataka, winning 150 seats. "The Congress has betrayed you for decades. It is time to show them your power," he said.
This statement comes amid ongoing political jockeying in Karnataka, with both major parties eyeing the crucial Dalit vote bank ahead of future elections.
