Karnataka BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra criticized the Congress-led government for allegedly targeting the Banjara community in the state. He expressed this view in response to the arrest of BJP MLA Chandru Lamani, a member of the Banjara community. Vijayendra claimed that the Congress government has been unfair to the community ever since Siddaramaiah assumed office as Chief Minister.
He highlighted an incident where the Deputy Chief Minister faced protests from Banjara community youths at an event, leading to the filing of an FIR against the protestors. Vijayendra accused the Congress of ongoing discrimination against the community and stated that MLA Chandru Lamani would go through the legal process.
Vijayendra mentioned leaked audio clips that need verification and recalled the recent arrest of Chandru Lamani by the Karnataka Lokayukta in connection with an alleged bribery case. The Lokayukta team apprehended Lamani while he was reportedly accepting a bribe from a contractor. The MLA’s personal and private assistants were also detained during the operation.
Discussing the upcoming Budget Session, Vijayendra shared that the party is deliberating on its approach. He mentioned planning discussions with the Leader of Opposition and senior party members to finalize the party’s strategy. Vijayendra questioned Minister Priyank Kharge’s comments on corruption and criticized the Congress for alleged scams and corruption issues.
Vijayendra further addressed the Chief Minister’s claims of being targeted due to his community background, stating that the BJP would push for the release of funds for backward class development corporations in the upcoming Budget. He emphasized the need for a fair investigation into corruption allegations without associating them with caste.
