The Hindu : `Ruling class denying political power to dalits, OBCs'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, May 17, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Karnataka-Bangalore

`Ruling class denying political power to dalits, OBCs'

By Our Special Correspondent

BANGALORE MAY 16. The former Deputy Chief Minister and President of the State unit of the JD(S), Siddaramaiah, said today that the ruling class in the country had been exploiting dalits and other backward classes (OBCs) by denying them political power.

Addressing a "Samarpana Rally" organised by the Karnataka State Dalit Sangharsha Samiti to mark Buddha Jayanti here, Mr. Siddaramaiah said the country's wealth was concentrated in the hands of a few and a majority of the people were denied social and economic rights.

The capitalist class, which had the money power, had been directing the Union and the State governments to formulate economic policies favouring it. The bureaucrats and politicians had been supporting the capitalists to keep their power and resources intact, he charged.

Buddha, Basavanna, and Ambedkar fought for the cause of mankind. Their teachings and principles advocated social, economic, and political equality. Instead of following their ideals, the leaders were exploiting the poor and dalits for the sake of power, he alleged.

Taking a dig at the Hindutva ideology of the BJP, Mr. Siddaramaiah said that it was not interested in the welfare of the people.

The BJP leaders such as Narendra Modi were dividing society on communal lines to gain political mileage.

Dr. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism due to the drawbacks in the Hindu religion. There were many divisions, castes, and sub-castes in it. But Buddhism was based on the principles of non-violence, social and economic equality, and justice, Mr. Siddaramaiah said.

The former Deputy Chief Minister accused the NDA Government of yielding to the pressure by the U.S.

The Government had adopted liberal economic policies to allow multinational companies from the U.S. to set up their units in the country and exploit its resources. The closure of many public sector units created labour unrest and unemployment.

He sought an amendment to the Constitution to provide 22 per cent reservation in jobs in private companies.

The former Health minister, H.C. Mahadevappa, urged the dalits to fight for social and economic justice. Social conflicts in society could be eliminated by empowering dalits and the poor, he added.

The Organising Convenor of the DSS, Laxminarayana Nagawara, welcomed the gathering.

The dalit writers, Siddalingaiah, and Chennanna Valikar, spoke. The Convenor of the DSS, D.G. Sagar, presided over the function.

Earlier, the DSS activists took out a procession from the Jakkarayanakere Ground near Seshadripuram to the Government Arts College Ground.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Southern States

Stories in this Section

AIR to conduct music contest

Bangalore school records 100 p.c. results

Rs. 22 cr. for `Food for work' scheme

More opposition to project to link rivers

Pill and Powder to open another outlet

`Initiate debate on admissions'

`Ruling class denying political power to dalits, OBCs'

Dushyanth's supporters stage dharna

More changes likely in Common Admission Test