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Kasaragod: Representatives of the Bunt community have announced complete support to NDA candidates in the district, citing issues related to caste certificates and lack of government benefits.

Speaking at a press conference, community leaders said that benefits available to the Bunt community under the backward class category since 2014 are no longer accessible. They stated that members of the community and their children are unable to obtain required certificates for daily needs.

They said that when applications are submitted at Akshaya centres for caste certificates, the community name is not found in the state IT cell list. Due to this, students are unable to access benefits in education and other sectors.

The issue has caused hardship to the community, they said, adding that a memorandum has been submitted to BJP district president Ashwini M.L., seeking a solution. Leaders said they received assurance that the issue would be addressed, following which they declared support for NDA candidates.

Community leaders present at the press conference included Sharath Amai, Jayaprakash Naik, Purushottam Naik and M. Surendra Naik.

Leaders also stated that in constituencies like Manjeshwar and Kasaragod, the Bunt community plays a significant role. They alleged that the community has been incorrectly recorded in the Kerala Gazette, leading to confusion and affecting employment opportunities and reservation benefits in education such as medical and engineering seats.

Dalit community extends support

Members of the Dalit community in Kasaragod district also announced support to NDA candidates M.L. Ashwini and K. Surendran in the upcoming Assembly elections.

At a press conference, leaders said that issues related to incorrect recording of caste names in the Kerala Gazette have created difficulties in obtaining proper caste certificates. This has affected access to education benefits, jobs, and other welfare schemes meant for Dalit communities.

They said they are extending support to NDA candidates in the hope that these issues will be addressed.

Leaders present included Gunapala B., Sriram Prasad, Raju Chakli, Arun Kumar and Rajesh Gunapala.

Theeya community support

The Theeya community also extended support to NDA candidates in Kasaragod and Manjeshwar constituencies.

Community leaders said that despite demands to increase honorarium for traditional functionaries, the government has not taken action. They also alleged lack of priority under the OBC category and delay in providing land-related documents for temples under the community.

Citing these issues, leaders Raman Udayagiri and Umesh Nellikunnu announced support for NDA candidates M.L. Ashwini and K. Surendran.