Congress Exploiting Marginalized as Vote Bank, Misusing SC/ST Welfare Funds: BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra

“Funds meant for SC/ST welfare are being rerouted to finance guarantee schemes, denying justice to the very people they are intended to uplift,” he claimed. Vijayendra emphasized that the BJP will not remain silent, and the party will fight this injustice both inside the legislature and on the streets.

He cited the 2025–26 state budget as evidence, alleging that ₹11,896 crore earmarked for SC/ST development was diverted once again. “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has betrayed marginalized communities, and the Congress government must be held accountable,” he said.

BJP to Launch Protest Movement for SC/ST Justice

Reaffirming BJP’s commitment to social justice, Vijayendra announced that the party will launch a statewide movement to defend the rights of SC/ST communities, ensuring benefits reach the last person in society. “The BJP is the voice of the marginalized, and we will fulfill our responsibility,” he said.

He slammed Congress leaders, including CM Siddaramaiah, for exploiting backward communities under the banner of AHINDA (minorities, backward classes, and Dalits). “They shed crocodile tears during elections, only to deny justice once in power,” Vijayendra asserted.

Kharge’s Revelation Exposes Congress Hypocrisy, Says Vijayendra

Reacting to Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge’s recent remarks, Vijayendra said Kharge’s emotional admission that he was denied the Chief Minister post despite decades of service, exposed deep-rooted discrimination within the Congress leadership.

“Kharge’s words reflect the pain of a leader who has given 40-50 years to the party but was sidelined. It’s a testimony to how the Gandhi family, Congress party, and Siddaramaiah have failed the SC/ST communities,” he said, adding that time will reveal whether the party takes Kharge seriously.

Vijayendra further accused Siddaramaiah of cheating SC/ST voters by consistently diverting their welfare funds for political gains. Quoting Kharge, he said, “Even after 75 years of independence, marginalized communities are only used as vote banks without receiving true justice.”

With two and a half years still left for the next Karnataka Assembly elections, Vijayendra declined to comment on candidate decisions, including from his own constituency, Shikaripura. “Candidate selections will happen closer to elections. At this point, no one—including myself—can make any comment,” he said.