Atrocities against minorities on the rise in Modi rule: CM

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday alleged that atrocities against minorities and dalits had increased in the country after Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister.

Speaking to reporters at his residence in TK Layout in the city, the chief minister said that atrocities against minorities and dalits in the guise of cow protection had increased after Modi became the prime minister. He accused the BJP of following agendas contrary to principles social justice.

“BJP is following double standards regarding cow slaughter. While the party is in favour of cow slaughtering in Goa and Kerala, it is opposing it in Gujarat. The BJP members are attacking dalit youths for selling skin of dead cattle in Gujarat. A majority of atrocities are reported from BJP-ruled states. Modi should take severe action, instead of just condemning these incidents,” he said.

The chief minister also condemned BJP leader Dayashankar for his derogatory remarks against Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati. “Mayawati is a four-time chief minister of Uttar Pradesh and the statement against her is a disrespect for women. Dayashankar should be arrested on charge of criminal offence,” he demanded.

Commenting about Karnataka BJP unit, Siddaramaiah said that the real face of BJP leaders will come out, if Praveen Khandya, an accused in the suicide case of deputy superintendent of police Kallappa Handibag, is interrogated.

“The state BJP is following double standards in suicide of two DySPs — M K Ganapathi and Handibag. Khandya, also a Bajrang Dal leader and member of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), is facing 32 criminal charges and is a close aide of Chikkamagaluru MLA C T Ravi. BJP leaders’ role in the suicide of Handibag will come out after Khandya’s arrest,” the chief minister said.

When asked about the protest planned by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) employees,  Siddaramaiah said that the state government will make alternative arrangements to ensure transportation facilities.

“The government hikes 10% salary of the employees once in four years. The salary was increased in 2012 too, The Cabinet has decided to effect an additional increase of 10%, but the employees are not happy with it. The hike is an additional burden for the KSRTC. So, the employees’ protest is not right,” he added.