Jalebi and non-jalebi files & caste politics

Opposition leader in the Legislative Assembly Jagadish Shettar on Monday accused the state government of dividing society on caste lines. Speaking on the state budget proposals in the Assembly, he said the government is said to be showing disparity even in clearing files. Those belonging to upper castes are neglected, while others are cleared on priority, he charged.

“It is said files are divided into two categories: jalebi and non-jalebi. Jalebi files are pertaining to Gowdas, Lingayats and Brahmins. Non-jalebi files pertain to others. Only non-jalebi files are cleared,” he stated and added that JD(S) leader Basavaraj Horatti has already mentioned this in the Upper House.

Shettar also charged the government with indulging in vote-bank politics by increasing the honorarium of moulvis to Rs 4,000 per month from Rs 3,100 per month in the budget. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has not increased the honorarium of archakas though they had submitted a petition in this regard, he said.