Date:23/12/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/12/23/stories/2005122305180300.htm

Karnataka - Bijapur

Banjaras given fair deal: Congress MLC

Staff Correspondent

Prakash Rathod dismisses the allegations levelled by the former Minister Baburao Chavan

BIJAPUR: Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee General Secretary Prakash Rathod, MLC, on Thursday ridiculed the call given by the former Minister Baburao Chavan that Banjaras (Lambanis) should boycott the Congress in the panchayat elections.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr. Rathod, who is also the general secretary of the State Banjara Seva Sangh, pooh-poohed the allegations levelled by Mr. Chavan who said the Congress has nominated hardly any members of the Banjara community for the panchayat elections.

Stating that the Congress has fielded the maximum number of members from the community across the State, Mr. Rathod said it can be confirmed from party's list of candidates. The former Minister should not be under any illusion that the whole community has not been treated properly. People should not be swayed by his propaganda. Mr. Chavan should also understand that he cannot make comments on behalf of the entire community.

Claiming that the Banjaras are traditional supporters of the Congress, Mr. Rathod said it is the Congress that brought the community under the Scheduled Castes list and the measure opened a new vista of development for the community, which was otherwise deprived of all opportunities. It is also the first party to induct a member from the community into the Cabinet. Besides, it has been giving good number of ticket to candidates belonging to the community in the General elections.

Mr. Rathod said he has not staked claim for the Cabinet berth and it is up to Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh. However, he will not shy away if the party leadership chooses him for the job.

He urged the Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections in the district, especially in segments that come under Indi and Ballolli Assembly constituencies in the wake of reports that poll rigging may take place. The police have also been asked to be extra vigilant in these segments, he added.

While Ballolli Assembly segment is represented by the Janata Dal (Secular), the independent MLA Ravikant Patil represents Indi segment and he has since allied with the Janata Dal (S).

He denied the allegation made by BJP MP Basanagouda R. Patil Yatnal that the coalition parties are pumping money and liquor to influence the voters. There is also no truth in the allegation that the official machinery is being misused by the ruling parties.