Karnataka’s political scene saw fresh tension on Saturday after Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka accused the Congress government of failing to protect Dalit rights and allowing continued caste-based exploitation in parts of the state.
Ashoka alleged that people from Scheduled Caste communities were still being forced into manual scavenging in Tumakuru district, which is the home district of Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara.
“Dalits still forced into manual scavenging,” says BJP
In a post on social media platform X, Ashoka shared an undated video showing workers in minimal clothing allegedly lifting and transporting waste using a tractor at the premises of the Karnataka Electricity Board Engineers’ Association.
He claimed, “In the very home district of Parameshwara, where slogans were once raised demanding a Dalit Chief Minister, the downtrodden communities are still being forced into the pitiable condition of manually carrying human excreta.”
Ashoka further alleged that the Congress government had failed to act even after similar incidents were reported earlier.
Allegations of misuse of welfare funds
The BJP leader also accused the Karnataka government of diverting funds meant for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes welfare schemes. He claimed that over ₹53,000 crore under SCSP-TSP allocations had been misused over the last three years for other welfare guarantees.
He also alleged a rise in crimes against marginalised communities, saying that more than 2,200 cases involving atrocities against SCs and STs were recorded in 2025.
Congress government under attack
Ashoka said the ruling Congress party had failed to protect Dalit interests despite its public claims of social justice. He added, “The Congress, which loudly claims to stand for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, is in reality taking steps that undermine their interests.”
He also criticised Home Minister Priyank Kharge, saying he had “lost moral authority” to speak on constitutional values and the legacy of B. R. Ambedkar.
Reference to earlier incidents
The BJP leader also referred to earlier alleged cases of caste-based abuse, including reports of a child being forced into similar work at a bus stand in Koratagere and an incident involving spoiled food at a hostel in Chikkaballapur.
