Latest news with #VijayendraYediyurappa
India Gazette
12 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
BJP slams Karnataka government over religion-based reservation, calls it 'unconstitutional'
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 20 (ANI): The Karnataka government's decision to increase reservation for minority communities under housing schemes has sparked strong criticism from the BJP. State party president Vijayendra Yediyurappa has called it 'unconstitutional' and accused the Congress of indulging in vote-bank politics. In a post on X, Yediyurappa accused the Congress government of turning welfare into vote-bank politics and claimed that the new reservation policy deprives SCs, STs, and OBCs of their rightful opportunities. 'Reservation on the basis of religion is unconstitutional! @INCKarnataka in Karnataka has converted welfare into a marketplace for vote-bank politics. First, 4% quota in government contracts. Now, 15% quota in housing schemes. Where does this appeasement end? This is a dangerous attempt to institutionalise communal vote-bank politics. It not only robs SCs, STs, and OBCs of their rightful opportunities, but also sends a disturbing message that merit, backwardness, and constitutional principles are secondary to religious appeasement,' he wrote. He asked the Congress to read the Constitution of India, asserting that reservations are intended for those who are socially and educationally backwards, not based on religious identity. 'I urge Congress to pick up the Constitution they love to wave at public meetings. Had they read it even once, they would know that reservations are based on social and educational backwardness, and not handed out based on 'who votes for me.' Under the guise of welfare, this government is brazenly pushing religion-based reservation, striking at the very foundation of Dr. BR Ambedkar's Constitution and dragging his vision through the dirt of appeasement politics,' he added. 'The Congress government's reckless appeasement will not survive judicial scrutiny, nor escape the judgment of history. Karnataka deserves governance, not divisive experiments with the Constitution,' the BJP leader said. Earlier, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi condemned the move, calling it unconstitutional by referring to the Supreme Court's 'rejection' of religion-based reservation. Speaking to ANI, Joshi said, 'This is against the Constitution. The Supreme Court has also rejected a religion-based reservation. This reduces the quota for OBC, ST, and poor people from the general caste. The Karnataka government is doing the politics of appeasement. I condemn this. We will also approach the court against this.' On Thursday, the Karnataka Cabinet approved an increase in the reservation quota for minority communities under various housing schemes from 10 per cent to 15 per cent. Karnataka Minister HK Patil stated that this move does not require any new rules to be drafted. 'The reservation for all minority communities will be increased. There are Christians, Jains, Buddhists,' the Minister said. (ANI)
NDTV
13 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Karnataka Increases Muslim Housing Quota, BJP Calls It "Unconstitutional"
The Karnataka government's decision to increase reservation for minority communities under housing schemes has sparked strong criticism from the BJP. State party president Vijayendra Yediyurappa has called it "unconstitutional" and accused the Congress of indulging in vote-bank politics. In a post on X, Mr Yediyurappa accused the Congress government of turning welfare into vote-bank politics and claimed that the new reservation policy deprives SCs, STs, and OBCs of their rightful opportunities. "Reservation on the basis of religion is unconstitutional! @INCKarnataka in Karnataka has converted welfare into a marketplace for vote-bank politics. • First, 4% quota in government contracts. • Now, 15% quota in housing schemes. Where does this appeasement end? This is a dangerous attempt to institutionalise communal vote-bank politics. It not only robs SCs, STs, and OBCs of their rightful opportunities, but also sends a disturbing message that merit, backwardness, and constitutional principles are secondary to religious appeasement," he wrote. He asked the Congress to read the Constitution of India, asserting that reservations are intended for those who are socially and educationally backwards, not based on religious identity. "I urge Congress to pick up the Constitution they love to wave at public meetings. Had they read it even once, they would know that reservations are based on social and educational backwardness, and not handed out based on "who votes for me." Under the guise of welfare, this government is brazenly pushing religion-based reservation, striking at the very foundation of Dr. BR Ambedkar's Constitution and dragging his vision through the dirt of appeasement politics," he added. "The Congress government's reckless appeasement will not survive judicial scrutiny, nor escape the judgment of history. Karnataka deserves governance, not divisive experiments with the Constitution," the BJP leader said. Reservation on the basis of religion is unconstitutional! @INCKarnataka in Karnataka has converted welfare into a marketplace for vote-bank politics. • First, 4% quota in government contracts. • Now, 15% quota in housing schemes. Where does this appeasement end? This is a… — Vijayendra Yediyurappa (@BYVijayendra) June 19, 2025 Earlier, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi condemned the move, calling it unconstitutional by referring to the Supreme Court's 'rejection' of religion-based reservation. Speaking to ANI, Mr Joshi said, "This is against the Constitution. The Supreme Court has also rejected a religion-based reservation. This reduces the quota for OBC, ST, and poor people from the general caste. The Karnataka government is doing the politics of appeasement. I condemn this. We will also approach the court against this." On Thursday, the Karnataka Cabinet approved an increase in the reservation quota for minority communities under various housing schemes from 10 per cent to 15 per cent. Karnataka Minister HK Patil stated that this move does not require any new rules to be drafted. "The reservation for all minority communities will be increased. There are Christians, Jains, Buddhists," the Minister said.
United News of India
06-06-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Stampede deaths: BJP demands Cong govt ouster
Bengaluru, June 6 (UNI) The BJP on Friday strongly demanded the ouster of the Congress government in Karnataka, holding it morally responsible for the loss of 11 lives following the stampede during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) IPL victory celebration. BJP state chief Vijayendra Yediyurappa referred to a written communication by Cubbon Park Police denying permission for the June 4 celebration, warning of uncontrollable crowds and security risks. 'Despite this, the CM tweeted inviting people to a felicitation at Vidhana Soudha. Lakhs of fans gathered there. Who gave permission for that?' Vijayendra questioned. He further alleged that permission was also denied for any celebration at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, yet an event was held there with full participation of Deputy CM Shivakumar. 'The police themselves have confirmed that no permission was granted and an FIR has been registered. Then why did the Deputy CM participate? Who allowed the crowd to gather?' he said. The BJP leader accused the government of trying to shift blame to KSCA, RCB, and event organisers, while shielding those in power. 'Making KSCA or RCB the scapegoat will not suffice. The real accountability lies with those who encouraged the celebrations despite red flags from law enforcement,' he asserted. Meanwhile, senior BJP leader R Ashoka, while speaking to media in a joint presser with JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy, charged the Congress government with pressuring the police and event organisers to proceed with the celebrations. 'The government went ahead with the programme without authorisation, ignoring all police objections and standard protocols. This reckless decision directly caused the chaos and loss of lives,' Ashoka said. He condemned the state leadership for politicising the event. He accused Congress leaders of focusing on photo ops and publicity rather than public safety. 'While Bengaluru faced floods and chaos, the government was busy organising a large, unauthorised gathering. They neglected the welfare of the city's residents and the youth who came to support their team,' Ashoka said. Demanding a CBI probe, he said, 'The people must know who forced the police to bend, who gave the green light despite risks, and who must be held accountable for the tragedy.' 'The law must prevail. No one, not even ministers or Chief Ministers, are above the law,' Ashoka said. UNI BDN PRS
United News of India
05-06-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Ktk: BJP demands High Court probe in RCB stampede
Bengaluru, June 5 (UNI) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday demanded a judicial probe by a sitting High Court judge and compensation of Rs 50 lakh for the families of each deceased victim in the stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium ahead of IPL winners Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) victory celebrations. Eleven people died and 33 others were injured on Wednesday in the tragic incident. Launching a scathing attack on the Congress-run Karnataka government, BJP state president Vijayendra Yediyurappa held it "squarely responsible" for the stampede. He said the incident denoted a "criminal failure of governance". Addressing a media conference, Vijayendra accused the Congress government of turning a celebration into a "catastrophe" through its "gross negligence". "This was not an accident — this was avoidable, and it happened because the state government failed in its fundamental duty to protect its people. When over two lakh fans had gathered, there was no crowd management, no police preparedness, and no safety protocol," he said. The BJP leader alleged that while chaos unfolded at the Stadium, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, his deputy DK Sivakumar and other cabinet colleagues were busy near the Vidhana Soudha taking selfies with IPL players. 'At a time when deaths were already being reported, ministers were engaged in photo sessions. This is the height of insensitivity,' he remarked. Taking serious objection to the Chief Minister's statement that the tragedy occurred only at the stadium and not near the seat of government, Vijayendra said, 'This is a clear attempt to deflect responsibility. While lakhs gathered for celebrations, the police were deployed to guard the VIP zone around the Vidhana Soudha. The state failed to ensure any security for the masses.' Rejecting the state government's decision to order a magisterial inquiry, he said such probes lack the power to summon senior officials and ministers. 'This is a matter of criminal negligence. A sitting High Court judge must conduct an independent probe. Anything less is a cover-up,' Vijayendra said, adding that the deaths should not be treated as mere 'unnatural deaths' but as a result of administrative recklessness. Vijayendra also raked up the issue of compensation, contrasting the state's earlier announcement of Rs 25 lakh to the family of a man who died in an elephant stampede in Kerala. 'Why not Rs 50 lakh for each family that lost a loved one here in Bengaluru due to the government's failure?' he asked, demanding the government announce the enhanced ex gratia immediately. He further urged the government to reach out to the RCB owners, reportedly based in Dubai or London, so that they also contribute to the relief package for the victims' families. Finally, Vijayendra warned the Congress government against attempting to pin the blame on the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). 'This is not about cricket associations. The state gave the green signal for the event and failed to ensure infrastructure and safety. That is criminal misconduct,' he said. UNI BDN SSP
NDTV
04-06-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
"Let Chief Minister Fix Responsibility": Karnataka BJP Head On Stampede
Bengaluru: The Karnataka BJP has demanded action and accountability over lapses that led to a stampede in Bengaluru during the IPL victory celebrations of RCB. Eleven people were killed in a stampede outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium. A huge crowd had also gathered outside the Vidhana Soudha, where the RCB squad proceeded from the airport to meet with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Karnataka BJP chief Vijayendra Yediyurappa said Siddaramaiah is answerable for the tragedy, and alleged the ruling Congress government was interested only in publicity than people's safety. He gave the example of how more than one lakh people turned up in the last world cup and the state government managed the crowds well. "Was it not the responsibility of the state government to be prepared for this? More than 11 lives are lost. The chief minister should answer for this," the state BJP chief told NDTV. "This is not the first time. In the last world cup, more than a lakh people were there. The state government managed the crowd. The state government was aware more than a lakh will turn up [today], should they have not been prepared?" he said. "Unfortunately, the state government was more interested in publicity than people's safety." Mr Yediyurappa said when the police denied permission for crowds to enter Vidhana Soudha, stones were thrown towards the podium, which could have led to safety issues for the RCB squad. "Whatever happened is unfortunate. The way the state government reacted after the tragedy is also unfortunate. They should have stopped the celebrations right after the tragedy. Let the chief minister decide who is responsible. Someone has to be held accountable," the state BJP chief said. ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಚಿನ್ನಸ್ವಾಮಿ ಕ್ರೀಡಾಂಗಣದಲ್ಲಿನ ಐಪಿಎಲ್ ಸಂಭ್ರಮಾಚರಣೆಯ ವೇಳೆ ಕಾಲ್ತುಳಿತಕ್ಕೆ ಸಿಲುಕಿ ಆಸ್ಪತ್ರೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಚಿಕಿತ್ಸೆ ಪಡೆಯುತ್ತಿರುವ ಗಾಯಾಳುಗಳ ಕ್ಷೇಮ ವಿಚಾರಿಸಲಾಯಿತು. ಆರ್.ಸಿ.ಬಿ ವಿಜಯೋತ್ಸವದ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ನಿರೀಕ್ಷೆ ಮೀರಿ ಜನಪ್ರವಾಹ ಹರಿದು ಬಂದ ಹಿನ್ನೆಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಉಂಟಾಗಿರುವ ದುರಂತದಲ್ಲಿ 11 ಮಂದಿಗೂ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಅಭಿಮಾನಿಗಳು... — Vijayendra Yediyurappa (@BYVijayendra) June 4, 2025 In a post on X, Siddaramaiah said he was "deeply shocked to hear the news of the stampede". "The pain of this tragedy has also erased the joy of victory," he said, and asked the public to give safety first priority. ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಚಿನ್ನಸ್ವಾಮಿ ಕ್ರೀಡಾಂಗಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಆರ್ಸಿಬಿ ತಂಡದ ಗೆಲುವಿನ ಸಂಭ್ರಮಾಚರಣೆ ವೇಳೆ ನೂಕುನುಗ್ಗಲು ಉಂಟಾಗಿ ಹಲವರು ಪ್ರಾಣ ಕಳೆದುಕೊಂಡು, ಮತ್ತೆ ಕೆಲವರು ಗಂಭೀರ ಗಾಯಗೊಂಡ ಸುದ್ದಿ ಕೇಳಿ ತೀವ್ರ ಆಘಾತವಾಗಿದೆ. ಈ ದುರಂತದ ನೋವು ಗೆಲುವಿನ ಸಂಭ್ರಮವನ್ನೂ ಅಳಿಸಿಹಾಕಿದೆ. ಮೃತರ ಆತ್ಮಕ್ಕೆ ಶಾಂತಿ ಸಿಗಲಿ, ಗಾಯಗೊಂಡು ಆಸ್ಪತ್ರೆಯಲ್ಲಿ... — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) June 4, 2025 At a press conference this evening, the chief minister said they did not expect the tragedy as the stadium can accommodate 35,000 people. "But the number of people who turned up is estimated to be two-three lakhs. We assumed there would be as many people as the stadium would accommodate or a bit more, but not as many as had actually turned up," Siddaramaiah said. He announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of those who were killed in the stampede, and free treatment for the injured. Officials who were inside the Bengaluru stadium were not aware what was happening outside, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal said. Mr Dhumal sought to know who organised the Bengaluru event as the celebrations already happened in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, and for the BCCI the IPL also ended on Tuesday. "We spoke to the management when we got to know about the situation and they assured us they will finish the ceremony quickly. This is definitely sad and tragic. RCB officials assured me that they will wind up the celebrations now," Mr Dhumal said. He said the officials did not know a tragedy had struck the fans outside the stadium, he added.
