Kharge Challenges BJP to Prove Fund Diversion Claims for SCs, STs

Rapid Summary

• Rural Advancement and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge addressed allegations about diversion of funds allocated for Dalit welfare under SCSP and TSP.
• Kharge refuted claims by BJP leaders, asking them to provide evidence rather than making baseless accusations. He claimed fund diversions occurred during the previous BJP government, citing former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai’s acknowledgment in the Assembly.
• Kharge challenged BJP leaders to secure additional welfare funds from the Central government for marginalized communities if they are genuinely concerned.
• Regarding accusations of unequal fund allocation under Congress, he pointed out similar practices when BJP was in power.
• On fertilizer shortages in the State, Kharge said 500 tonnes were needed for kalaburagi farmers post-sowing activities; 200 tonnes have been supplied with assurances that remaining quantities will follow. Agriculture Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy has requested additional supplies from the Union Agriculture Ministry.
• He urged BJP leaders to protest in Delhi to ensure adequate fertilizer provision for Karnataka farmers.
• Responding to objections against Congress leader Randeep surjewala’s meetings with Ministers, Kharge countered that such tasks shouldn’t be expected from RSS figures like B.L. Santhosh or Dattatreya Hosabale.
• Criticizing developments at Central University of Karnataka (CUK), he accused it of functioning like an RSS Shakha instead of adhering to academic independence.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The exchange between Priyank Kharge and opposition leaders reflects broader political tensions around resource allocation and governance accountability. His call for complete evidence on alleged fund diversions raises a valid point about substantiating claims before leveling accusations.Though, his counterclaims linking previous diversions under BJP require equal scrutiny.

The issue of urea shortages highlights critical gaps in supply chains affecting Karnataka’s agricultural sector; addressing this concern effectively requires cooperative federal action between state and central governments.

Lastly, remarks about perceived ideological influences on educational institutions such as CUK underscore ongoing debates over institutional neutrality versus political affiliations-a recurring theme across India’s public universities.

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