“Won’t bow down”: DK Shivakumar’s reply to protesters shouting ‘go back’ slogan at event
Davangere: Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said he would not be shaken by protests after some youths raised “Go Back” slogans during a public event, asserting that he stands firmly by his principles.
He was speaking at the 287th birth anniversary celebration of Sant Sevalal held at Bhayagad-Soragondanakoppa in Nyamathi taluk of Davangere district on Saturday.
Referring to the Banjara community, Shivakumar said that it was the Congress government that stood by the community during times of injustice. He recalled that during K.T. Rathod’s tenure, the Banjara community was included in the Scheduled Caste category and the Tanda Development Corporation was established to improve their living conditions.
“We are gathered here to celebrate Sant Sevalal, who spread the message of truth, integrity, social justice, harmony and equality. Religion must have compassion. Without compassion, what is religion?” he said, recalling Basavanna’s teachings on kindness and equality.
He added that people are not born by choosing their caste and stressed the importance of human values above divisions. “This is a land of great social reformers like Sant Sevalal. Every community has its own cultural and religious identity. Our government has been working for the welfare of all communities,” he said.
Shivakumar said that during the government’s 1,000-day programme in Haveri, the Congress had reaffirmed its commitment to the people, including the Lambani community. “I have come here with affection for the Lambani people who have supported me,” he said.
Responding to the “Go Back” slogans, Shivakumar said, “Some youths have shouted ‘Go Back’ with affection. I have accepted it with love. But leaders on the stage invited me saying ‘Come Back’, and that is why I am here.”
He added, “A hundred people may shout. But D.K. Shivakumar is not someone who will bow down to a hundred voices. Thousands here know my principles and commitment. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar has said that one who forgets history cannot create history.”
He said politics should not mix with religion. “There should be values in politics, but politics should not enter religion. When I contested from Kanakapura, I was elected with a margin of 1.23 lakh votes. The Lambani community, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes supported me wholeheartedly,” he said.
Shivakumar also advised that protests must be carried out in an appropriate manner and at the right forum.
He said raising slogans during a religious programme serves no purpose. “Even if some say ‘Go Back’, I will not be shaken. More people are saying ‘Come Back’ than ‘Go Back’,” he said.
Later, responding to media questions about BJP protests, he said the Congress government had ensured justice for all communities and introduced the 6-6-5 formula in the matter of internal reservation. “The BJP is unable to tolerate this. They are instigating around a hundred people out of fear of losing relevance,” he alleged.
He maintained that 90 per cent of the Lambani community supports the government and is focused on development, while a small section is engaging in politics. “It was the Congress that granted SC status to the Banjara community and set up the development corporation. We gave land rights to tandas. We will always stand with good people,” he said.
During the programme, a section of protesters displayed black cloths alleging injustice to the Lambani community in the implementation of internal reservation.
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Min. Priyank Kharge to expresses concern over implementation of VB-G Ram G
Bengaluru: Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Priyank Kharge has expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the proposed VB-G Ram G scheme, stating that the MNREGA programme, which has been a lifeline for rural India for nearly two decades, appears to be facing an uncertain future.
Speaking to media, Kharge said that as March 31 draws to a close, there is no clarity on the rollout of the new scheme from April 1. He pointed out that the central government has not yet issued the necessary guidelines for implementing the scheme for rural workers and villages.
He criticised the Centre for its lack of preparedness, stating that there is no clarity on fund allocation, no final parameters for classifying gram panchayats, and key processes such as social audits have not been defined.
Kharge said the situation comes at a critical time, as summer marks a peak period for rural employment demand, when many people depend heavily on wage employment for their livelihood.
He added that reports have emerged of delays in approvals and families not receiving work despite demand.
He further alleged that the Centre’s move to shift from a statutory employment guarantee to a rule-based allocation system is already showing negative consequences.
Kharge also raised concerns over provisions such as a mandatory 60-day halt during agricultural seasons, which he said would further limit employment opportunities for rural workers.
The BJP-led central government had claimed that the new scheme would transform rural India, but in reality it is turning out to be detrimental to people’s livelihoods, he said.
“The crisis in rural India due to the stalling of MNREGA is beginning to unfold. Given the Centre’s past record in handling such situations, there is growing concern over the impact on rural livelihoods,” Kharge said.
