Senior BJP leader R. Ashoka criticized the Karnataka Congress government for allegedly reducing reservation percentages for Scheduled Tribes (ST) and betraying Dalit communities. He highlighted that during the BJP government’s tenure, SC reservation increased from 15% to 17% and ST reservation from 3% to 7%, fulfilling a long-standing demand. Ashoka questioned the current government’s commitment to pro-Dalit policies and accused them of diminishing ST reservation benefits.
Ashoka emphasized that the reduction in ST reservation from 7% to 3% by the Congress government was a significant injustice, pushing the community to continue fighting for their rights. He condemned the government for what he perceived as a betrayal of Dalits and criticized their alleged double standards. Ashoka demanded immediate corrective actions, warning of potential escalated protests if the issue remains unresolved.
BJP State Vice-President Raju Gowda Nayak criticized the Congress government for its handling of the reservation issue in court, alleging inadequate defense and legal representation. He questioned the government’s failure to lift the stay order and accused them of misleading Dalits. Nayak pointed to Chhattisgarh as an example of higher reservation percentages for STs, SCs, and OBCs, questioning why Karnataka couldn’t adopt similar measures based on population demographics.
