Why is BJP in Karnataka Protesting Indefinitely from September 10?

Bengaluru, Sep 6 (NationPress) - The Karnataka faction of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has declared its intention to initiate an indefinite protest starting on September 10, in response to the internal reservation allocations made by the Congress-led government in the state.

During a press briefing held on Saturday, BJP State General Secretary and former legislator P. Rajeev revealed this information.

Rajeev emphasized that the recent implementation of internal reservation by the Congress-led administration has led to widespread dissatisfaction among various communities regarding this singular policy. "We are committed to an indefinite protest. We will remain steadfast until the police intervene to disperse us," he stated.

The BJP representative asserted that the government has committed injustices against oppressed communities, including left-hand and right-hand groups, nomadic and semi-nomadic populations, among others. "We will commence an indefinite protest at Freedom Park on September 10 to demand justice. We will not cease our efforts until we achieve this goal," he warned.

He highlighted that Karnataka is home to approximately 3,300 Lambani tandas (settlements), and residents from each will engage in this protest. Leaders from the Bhovi community have already convened a preparatory meeting, and awareness initiatives have been conducted within these communities.

Rajeev accused the government of sowing confusion among all communities. The Justice Nagamohan Das Committee had proposed that three communities—Adi Dravida, Adi Andhra, and Adi Karnataka—should be granted special category status with exclusive benefits. Instead, the government has opted for a politically charged decision.

“By stating that individuals from these communities could claim caste certificates under either Category 1 or Category 2, the government has effectively ensured that they cannot secure certificates under any category,” he claimed.

He further remarked that if the government is itself confused about its policies, it raises questions about how officials will operate. The Madhuswamy Committee had recommended a 4.5 percent reservation for Banjara, Bhovi, Koracha, and Korama communities, plus an additional 1 percent for around 59 nomadic castes.

“What actions did CM Siddaramaiah take? He merged both categories, grouping 63 castes under one umbrella. Even if the previous reservation allocations by ex-CM Basavaraj Bommai had been maintained, these groups should have received a total of 5.5 percent. However, the Siddaramaiah government reduced it to just 5 percent,” he charged.

Rajeev reminisced that the Mysuru monarch Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar established reservations as early as 1919 for six castes.

He pointed out that B.R. Ambedkar had also incorporated a similar recommendation in the 5th Schedule. Subsequently, the Congress expanded the SC list from 6 to 101 castes. “While the Congress increased the number of castes, it failed to enhance the percentage of reservation,” Rajeev criticized.

IANS