Karnataka is a state with distinct identities, co-existing with each other since hundreds of years. Dalits cover a significant portion of the state’s population, that is, nearly 20% and they play a consequential role in as many as 100 Karnataka Assembly seats. Congress party has enjoyed a fair share of joy, as almost 50% of the Dalits in the state voted for it, while BJP had 20% vote base from the community. Both the major political parties-Congress and BJP, look forward to wooing the Dalit vote base, as the community may have serious implications on the upcoming Karnataka State Assembly elections.
Dalit Communities from all over the country have been in the news recently, as several cases of violence has been registered against them in different parts of India. Recently, the Hon’ Supreme Court of India diluted some sections of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which resulted in nationwide protests against the decision of country’s Apex court. The backward community felt that any dilution to the existing law, will strip them off their right to live humanely and the move could hinder the growth, which community has achieved in the recent years. However, if the verdict of the Apex court is implemented, it will be a step backwards, in terms of bringing equality in the Indian society. The significant proportion of Dalit communities in a state with 36 Reserved seats for SCs in the state assembly, but according to political analysts, the community can play a notable role in 60 assembly seats, while in the 40 seats the Dalit will have fair say in the results of the seats.
The Siddaramaiah government has a strong support amongst the Holeyas, which comprise a part of the state’s categorisation of the Dalit community and other similar groups. The Madigas(Untouchables) on the other hand, are on BJP and JDS’ side, as the community is discontented with Siddaramaiah led-Congress government, due to non-implementation of Justice A J Sadashiva Commission report on internal reservation. Both parties are planning to use their star campaigners and national leaders to address the SC constituencies, as they want to gain Dalit vote base, which will prove to be a game changer in the electoral mandate of upcoming Karnataka Assembly elections.
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