'Siddaramaiah govt diverting SC/ST funds for minority welfare'

BJP president Amit Shah today accused the Siddaramaiah government of diverting SC/ST funds for minority welfare.

"We won't object if the government spends money on minorities, but why is it spending funds meant for tribals on minorities?" Shah questioned.

He also stated that the government increased the minority welfare fund four times, while the budgetary allocation for SC/STs remained the same.

"While minority fund was increased to Rs 513 crore by this government, SC/ST funds remained at Rs 123 crore," said Shah at a public rally of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes here in Chitradurga district.

He assured people that they need not have to worry as the Yeddyurappa government would do justice to them by increasing the budget for tribals.

Shah also told the crowd about various measures taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the uplift of tribals.

"The Centre will build Advasi Welfare Foundation in each tribal district at a cost of Rs 6,000 crore.Karnataka will get Rs 600 crore. Each district will have an Ekalavya Residential School. The Tribal welfare budget has been increased from Rs 19,000 crore during UPA rule to Rs 31,000 crore now," he said.

Shah also accused the Siddaramaiah government of insulting Madakari Nayaka, the last ruler of Chitradurga region, by giving prominence to 18th century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan and his father Hyder Ali.

Madakari Nayaka had bravely fought Hyder Ali before falling prey to his rival's tactics.

Hailing from the Nayaka community, Madakari Nayaka lost the Chitradurga region in a siege by Hyder Ali, then Mysore ruler, in the 18th century.

Shah said in this SC/ST dominated area in Chitradurga district, if BJP comes to power, it will build a memorial for Madakari Nayaka.