Karnataka BJP alleges diversion of SC/ST welfare funds towards five guarantees
Bengaluru, Jul 6: Karnataka BJP has accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led Congress government of utilising Rs 14,800-crore funds meant for the Scheduled Caste Sub-plan and Tribal Sub-plan for the five guarantees.
The party on Friday said the funds meant for the welfare of downtrodden communities were diverted to fulfil the poll promises.
In a post on 'X' (formerly Twitter), Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka alleged that the chief minister has "squandered" the funds for the SC/ST welfare on the pretext of funding the five guarantees.
According to Ashoka, Rs 7,881.91 crore of SCSP-TSP has been utilised for 'Gruhalakshmi' scheme, Rs 70.28 crore for 'Bhagyalakshmi' scheme, Rs 2585.93 crore for 'Gruhajyoti' scheme, Rs 448.15 crore for 'Annabhagya' scheme, Rs 2,187 crore for the direct benefit transfer of 'Annabhagya' scheme, and Rs 1,451.45 crore for 'Shakti' scheme and Rs 175.50 crore for 'Yuva Nidhi' scheme.
The BJP leader alleged that the state government has already embezzled Rs 187 crore belonging to the Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation.
The chief minister defended the move claiming that the SCSP-TSP funds were spent on par with the SC/ST population in the state.
"Most of the beneficiaries of these guarantees are from SC/ST communities," the chief minister claimed.
The anti-dalit @INCKarnataka Govt diverts ₹14,730 crores meant for development of SC and ST communities to fund its guarantee schemes.
— R. Ashoka (ಮೋದಿ ಅವರ ಕುಟುಂಬ) (@RAshokaBJP) July 6, 2024
Self-proclaimed champion of Social Justice CM @siddaramaiah avare, you looted the ₹187 crore Dalit's money in Valmiki ST welfare board, now… pic.twitter.com/0farmJKGSA
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Sambhal violence: Protesters to pay for damage to property, posters of 'stone pelters' to be put up
Lucknow (PTI): The Uttar Pradesh government will make protesters involved in the Sambhal violence pay for damage to public property while posters of "stone pelters" will be displayed at public places, an official said on Wednesday.
Four people died and scores, including police personnel, were injured in Sambhal on Sunday after a confrontation erupted over a court-ordered survey of the city's Shahi Jama Masjid in Kot Garvi area, following a petition claiming that a Harihar temple once stood at the site.
"The UP government is adopting a firm stance against the individuals involved in the Sambhal violence. Posters of the stone pelters and miscreants will be displayed publicly, and recovery of damages will be sought. A reward may also be announced for information leading to their arrest," an official spokesperson said.
In a similar initiative, the government had previously put up posters of individuals linked to vandalism during the anti-CAA protests in 2020. These posters were displayed across several locations, including the state capital, but were later removed following a court order.
The violence in Sambhal erupted on Sunday when a large crowd gathered near a mosque and began chanting slogans as a survey team resumed its work. The situation escalated when the protesters clashed with security personnel, set vehicles on fire, and pelted stones.
So far, police have arrested 25 individuals and registered seven FIRs, which include charges against Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, the Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal, Sohail Iqbal, son of the party's local MLA Iqbal Mehmood, and over 2,750 unidentified suspects.
A magisterial probe is underway, and Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi stated on Monday that the situation was now under control. He assured that "strict action will be taken against those responsible for the unrest."
