Only Congress calls BJP anti-dalit for poll gains: Ballari MP B Sriramulu

Ballari MP B Sriramulu, known to keep a very low profile, spoke to Sowmya Aji on why he thinks Dalits should vote for the BJP and how he would shoulder the responsibility of their welfare, if given a chance. Excerpts:

The BJP’s critics say it has an anti-Dalit image. How do you plan to address this?
It is the Congress which calls us anti-Dalit, for political gain. I will work to my full capacity in all Dalit constituencies in Karnataka, tell our people how much the BJP government at the Centre is doing for our upliftment. I am sure they will support us.


Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has claimed that he is himself Dalit…
Yes, he says he is a CM for the AHINDA (Kannada acronym for minorities, backward castes and Dalits). There is the Sadashiva committee report seeking internal reservation for Dalits, which came when our (BJP) government was ending. Did he do anything for five years to implement that committee report? How is he pro-Dalit?

The Congress says it has given in Karnataka half the amount the BJP has given for Dalit welfare in the entire country…
All the Congress schemes are just on paper. Has anything reached the Dalits? If anyone respects the Dalits and Ambedkar, it is the BJP.

How do you view Union minister Anant Kumar Hegde’s statement that the Constitution will be amended?
He made that statement in an entirely different context. Has anything like that happened? If he or our government meant it, shouldn’t we have done it by now?

Are you moving from Ballari to Chitradurga because you have lost support in Ballari?
It is the party’s decision. I am just following orders.

BJP chief Amit Shah said your party has nothing to do with your mentor, Janardhan Reddy...
Janardhan Reddy is still my friend. He is working as a mere party worker. Reddy the politician is different from Reddy, my friend. I am with the BJP.