BJP did nothing for panchayats’ growth: Siddaramaiah

Belagavi: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said the BJP has no moral right to seek votes in Council polls from local bodies constituencies as it had never contributed anything to the growth of the panchayat raj system.

“I am asking BJP leaders whether they have ever spoken about the panchayat raj system, empowering women and the backward classes and on reservation for Dalits and the oppressed classes,” he said at a party convention in Belagavi on Sunday.

Mr Siddaramaiah claimed that it was due to the efforts made by the Congress in the past that it became possible to have women members in panchayats and local bodies. He slammed BJP vice-president, Rama Jois for filing a case in the Supreme Court against the system of reservation for the backward classes and other weaker sections. Urging members of local bodies not to take the Council elections lightly, he said the Congress lacked majority in the Upper House. The BJP, JD(S) and Independents, who together have more seats than the Congress, are creating hurdles for the government. To ensure the smooth passage of bills, the Congress has to win more seats, he said.