BJP's Battle Cry: Ashoka Accuses Congress of Betraying Tribes

Senior BJP leader R Ashoka accuses the Congress government of reducing Scheduled Tribes' reservations back to 3%, calling it a betrayal. The previous BJP government had increased the quotas significantly. Ashoka vows to launch a mass movement and urges ST community ministers to protest. He also addressed NEET exam irregularities and upcoming local elections.

Senior BJP leader R Ashoka, on Wednesday, strongly criticized the Congress government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for allegedly "cheating" the Scheduled Tribes community by reverting their reservation from 7% back to 3%. Ashoka warned of initiating a people's movement and pledged his party's backing for this struggle.

Highlighting past efforts, Ashoka noted that under the previous BJP government, headed by Basavaraj Bommai, SC and ST reservations were increased—from 15% to 17% for SCs, and from 3% to 7% for STs. The Congress returned ST reservation to 3%, citing an internal reservation formula for SCs.

On unrelated matters, Ashoka mentioned the NEET examination irregularities and confirmed that an investigation has been assigned to the CBI. He also demanded timely elections for five city corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority, urging prompt action given its significant revenue.