Video of Harihara MLA Harish abusing Dalits goes viral, case filed

NT Correspondent

Davangere: A case has been registered against newly-elected BJP MLA from Harihara (in pic), BP Harish, for allegedly abusing the entire community by saying that Dalits did not vote for them even though the BJP government had increased reservation.

A case has been registered against MLA BP Harish under IPC 504 and sections 3(1)(o), 3(1) (R) SC ST PA Act 1989 at Harihar Town Police Station for allegedly making objectionable remarks against Dalits. A video of BP Harish making objectionable remarks about Dalits had gone viral on social media.

People from the community took to the streets and staged a protest in MLA B P Harish for his objectionable remarks against the Bhovi Samaj. BJP MLA BP Harish said that the State has given a higher percentage of Madigars by bringing in internal reservation. But the Madiga community did not vote for the BJP. At the same time, he used an objectionable word.

The Madiga community has not only expressed anger over the statement but also staged a protest. As soon as MLA B P Harish won the election, Dalit leaders and some sanitation workers went to his Davangere residence to congratulate him. On this occasion, MLA BP Harish had hurled abuses through an objectionable statement.

Reacting to the issue a few days ago, he had said, “The Madiga Samaj, which got internal reservation, should have been with us, I don't feel bad that Banjara Bhovi did not vote for us. The reason why the BJP has come to this situation in the entire State is because the votes in his colony have come down.”

In the derogatory statement that he went on to make, he has questioned their birth, saying only those “born to their fathers voted for the BJP”. A case has been registered against him. District SP Arun confirmed that a complaint was registered.