Bengaluru: Dalits need affirmative action and not token lunches with ministers, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah pointed out in a scathing tweet a week ahead of the bitterly fought assembly elections in the state. His target, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is campaigning in Chitradurga district, one with a substantial population of Dalits and tribals.
Mr Siddaramaiah, whose tweets have taken a quantum jump in terms of sting and frequency, retweeted party chief Rahul Gandhi today with a comment of his own.
In Karnataka, Dalits influence the outcome in 63 of the state's 224 seats. The number has ensured a race for Dalit votes.
Mr Gandhi's post, which was retweeted by Mr Siddaramaiah, contained a video that attacked the BJP for "horrific untouchability and violence against the Dalits" from its opening caption.
Last week, Uttar Pradesh minister Suresh Raina had gone to a Dalit home for a meal -- carrying packed lunches complete with cutlery. As photos of the catered meal appeared and the family claimed he had turned up "uninvited', the minister claimed he had made extra arrangements to accommodate his large entourage.
Union Minister Uma Bharti said she never participates in such meals as she doesn't believe she is Lord Ram "blessing" Dalits.
Mr Siddaramaiah, whose tweets have taken a quantum jump in terms of sting and frequency, retweeted party chief Rahul Gandhi today with a comment of his own.
In Karnataka, Dalits influence the outcome in 63 of the state's 224 seats. The number has ensured a race for Dalit votes.
Mr Gandhi's post, which was retweeted by Mr Siddaramaiah, contained a video that attacked the BJP for "horrific untouchability and violence against the Dalits" from its opening caption.
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Last week, Uttar Pradesh minister Suresh Raina had gone to a Dalit home for a meal -- carrying packed lunches complete with cutlery. As photos of the catered meal appeared and the family claimed he had turned up "uninvited', the minister claimed he had made extra arrangements to accommodate his large entourage.
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Union Minister Uma Bharti said she never participates in such meals as she doesn't believe she is Lord Ram "blessing" Dalits.
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