25 Nayaka families boycotted for supporting BJP: Shettar

Bengaluru: About 25 families belonging to ‘Nayaka’ community in Bommalapura village of Chamarajanagar district have been socially boycotted for supporting BJP during the recent Gundlupete bypolls, Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly Jagdish Shettar said. 

He also alleged that bodily harm has also been inflicted on them by Congress workers.

Raising the issue during the Zero hour, Shettar said such incidents after winning the elections is “not correct”. 

“I have come to know that about 25 families belonging to Nayaka community have been socially boycotted, shops are also not entertaining them, they are unable to lead their lives,” he said. 

Alleging that police were not taking their complaint, Shettar said in a democracy every one has the right to vote for the party or individual they feel is right, but it is the government’s duty to treat every one equally. 

Replying on behalf of the government, Industries Minister R V Deshpande said if such an incident of social boycott has happened, “we strongly condemn it.” 

“The government will get things inquired and if such anincident has happened we will take action and provide protection to the affected families,” he said. 

Congress’ Geetha Mahadev Prasad won the Gundlupete assembly seat for which bypolls were held on April 9.The seat fell vacant following the death of Mahadev Prasad, who was cooperative minister in the Siddaramaiah cabinet. 

As Shettar raised the issue, Congress MLA Rajanna objected to it by raising a point of order, citing that the incident was a couple of days old.