Ruling BJP and opposition Congress lock horns over the issue.
Colourful rallies and garlanding of the statue of architect of Indian Constitution BR Ambedkar marked the celebration of Ambedkar Jayanthi on Wednesday.
But the discordant note was struck by politics as the ruling party BJP and Congress locked horns over the issue of internal reservation for Dalits.
Reiterating his commitment to social justice, chief minister BS Yeddyurappa assured internal reservation for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes triggering a strong reaction from the Congress leadership.
The chief minister also stated that his government would provide houses for all the homeless Dalits within next three years and construct Ambedkar Bhavans in 10 districts at a cost of Rs2 crore each.
Even as the parties are gearingup for Gram Panchayat polls in the state to be held in May, Yeddyurappa said, internal reservation for various castes under SC and ST category would be introduced in the state. “I will take up the issue with central government very soon. It will also be discussed in the next session of state legislature. Internal reservation is our promise for the oppressed Dalit community and I will fulfil that promise,” he declared after garlanding the statue of Ambedkar.
The system of internal reservation provides for distributing the quota for SC or STs to various castes in proportion to their population. The proposal has been mooted in the backdrop of reports that the benefits of reservation are being cornered by only a few dominant castes among the SC/STs.
The chief minister’s promise invited immediate retaliation from opposition Congress as Union labour minister Mallikarjun Kharge accused Yeddyurappa as making irresponsible promises with an eye on panchayat polls.
“The chief minister should know that internal reservation can be implemented only with the consent of the Centre.” Leader of the opposition Siddaramaiah dismissed the promise as a political gimmick and questioned BJP government’s commitment for welfare of SC and STs.
Referring to recent decision of the state government to change the Bangalore Mayor’s reservation category from the original BC-A to general, Siddaramaiah said that it reflected the real mindset of the BJP government.
Ambedkar Jayanthi celebrations organised by the government on the steps of Vidhana Soudha was cancelled due to heavy rains.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}