Davanagere: BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday accused the Siddaramaiah government in Karnataka of trying to divide Hindus. He also said that the current Congress government was the "most corrupt" one in the country.
"Just ahead of the (Assembly) elections in Karnataka, they have tried to divide Lingayats and Veerashaivas, also Lingayats and other communities, by announcing minority status for them," Shah told reporters.
Questioning the timing of the move, he asked the Siddaramaiah government, "What were you doing for five years?" In 2013, when your own (UPA) government was in power at the Centre, they had rejected it. Why was Siddaramaiah silent then? This is an attempt to divide the Hindus."
Shah said it was not a programme towards the welfare of the Veerashaiva and Lingayat community but a "conspiracy" to stop Yeddyurappa, considered a Lingayat strongman, from becoming the chief minister.
"Lingayat community understands it and I am sure the people of Karnataka will answer it through ballots," he said.
The Karnataka Cabinet had recently decided to recommend to the Centre over according religious minority tag to Lingayats and Veerashaiva Lingayats. Alleging that Siddaramaiah even tried to bring 'mutts' and temples under the government control, the BJP chief said it was given up following opposition to the move.
Visited the Sri Taralabalu Jagadguru Brihanmath in Sirigeri, Karnataka and took blessings of Dr. Shivamurthy Shivacharya Mahaswamiji. The relentless efforts of Mutt towards the upliftment of the downtrodden and for the education of rural and poor is truly great. pic.twitter.com/qLpY3vqzTN
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 27, 2018
Visited Sri Sharana Madara Guru Peetha in Chitradurga and took blessings of Sri Madara Chennaiah Swamiji. I am sure that Pujya Swamiji’s teachings and ideas will continue to spread the message of social harmony in our society. pic.twitter.com/pyddxwcthy
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 27, 2018
Took blessings of Dr. Sri Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru swamiji on my visit to Sri Murugha Mutt in Chitradurga. The Swamiji's contribution towards removal of inequality, poverty and helping the farmers & workers in implementing developmental projects is unparalleled. pic.twitter.com/lv7jf8jQg6
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 27, 2018
The height of Siddaramaiah's appeasement politics can be seen in his decision to sanction about Rs123 crore for the scholarship of SC & ST students against Rs 530 crore for the minorities. The budget for minorities has seen 4 times jump with no increase in budget for the Tribals. pic.twitter.com/EE0rHPssfu
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 27, 2018
Addressed Shakti Kendra Pramukh Samavesh in Chitradurga (Karnataka). Under the leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi, Shri @BSYBJP will form the next government in Karnataka and eliminate the Goonda Raj of Siddaramaiah government from the great land of Karnataka. pic.twitter.com/If5zvDsV3x
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 27, 2018
The present Siddaramaiah govt has done nothing for the Tribals apart from meting out injustice to them. Congress has only indulged in vote-bank politics disregarding the interests of the Tribal community. They will get a befitting reply in the elections for ignoring the Tribals. pic.twitter.com/3kkUIGcQAN
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 27, 2018
"I have made five to six visits to Karnataka and after meeting people, I have been able to understand the feeling of Karnataka," said Shah. "The feeling of people of Karnataka is that he (Siddaramaiah) is not AHINDA leader, an AHINDU (anti-Hindu) leader," Shah further said.
AHINDA is a Kannada acronym for minorities, backward classes and Dalits. He said if the Congress did not stop Siddaramaiah, the party might have to face "harsh consequences" in elections. "On one hand, Congress president speaks about uniting Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians, while on the other hand in Karnataka, its own CM is speaking about dividing Hindus.
"I have not seen such a sharp difference within a political party," he added.
Earlier, Shah kickstarted the 'Mushti Dhaanya Abhiyaan' (fistful foodgrain campaign) at Doddabati village near where he collected food grains from farmers. The campaign is aimed at showing solidarity with the distressed farmers of Karnataka who have committed suicide.
(With PTI inputs)