Intro
Murthy claimed Congress sidelines long-time local and Dalit leaders, fostering divides and treating Dalits merely as a vote bank
RAMANAGARA
State JDS media spokesperson V. Narasimha Murthy on Thursday called upon “self-respecting” Dalit leaders to leave the Congress and join the Janata Dal (Secular), alleging neglect within the ruling party. He spoke at a press conference at the JDS office in Ramanagara.
Murthy claimed that a divide between “native” and “migrant” groups has grown inside the Congress and that long-time local leaders are being sidelined. He said many Dalit leaders who worked for the party for decades now feel ignored and disappointed. According to him, the Congress government has failed to deliver development and has treated Dalits only as a vote bank.
He cited the example of a local Congress leader from Magadi who recently resigned, saying such exits show rising dissatisfaction. Murthy urged Dalit leaders across the State, especially in Ramanagara, to join the JDS where, he said, they would receive respect and recognition.
He also accused the State government of misusing funds meant for Dalit welfare under special schemes and delaying payments. JDS leader Kottipur Govindaraju added that welfare schemes are not reaching people properly and that atrocities against Dalits have not reduced.
In a separate remark, Murthy criticised Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar over statements about naming institutions after Mahatma Gandhi. He challenged Congress leaders to first rename schemes and projects named after members of the Nehru-Gandhi family if they truly wish to honour Mahatma Gandhi.
Several local JDS leaders were present at the press meet. They said the party would soon organise outreach meetings to connect with Dalit communities and listen to their concerns ahead of upcoming political activities in the district and nearby rural areas.