Is There a 'Suspicious' Delay in Internal Reservation Implementation in Karnataka?

Bengaluru, May 3 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has raised concerns regarding the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over what they describe as a 'suspicious' delay in implementing internal reservations in the state.

Former Deputy Chief Minister Govind Karjol, speaking at a joint press conference in Bengaluru, expressed apprehension about the Congress government's pace in executing internal reservation. "We suspect a dubious delay from the Congress administration in the state," he stated.

Karjol noted that following the Supreme Court's ruling on August 1 of the previous year, state governments were empowered to implement internal reservations.

He highlighted that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government supported internal reservations to address a long-standing issue, marking a significant milestone. In contrast, states like Haryana, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh quickly moved to implement these reservations, earning praise for their expediency.

The former Chief Minister criticized the Congress government, accusing them of a 'suspicious' delay attributed to internal party pressures. "Siddaramaiah, who positions himself as a proponent of social justice, now lags behind other states, bringing shame to Karnataka. Internal reservation advocates are compelled to exert constant pressure on the government to ensure action is taken. Starting May 5, a state-wide survey among Scheduled Castes for internal reservation will commence in Karnataka," he added.

He emphasized the necessity for the state government to take proactive measures to ensure the survey's success and to build trust among the Scheduled Castes.

Moreover, Karjol urged Siddaramaiah to declare the implementation date for internal reservations.

He noted, "The survey will wrap up by May 20. Given that technology is involved, the final report will be available shortly after. To foster engagement in the survey, Siddaramaiah must announce the enforcement date of the internal reservation law ahead of time."

Additionally, former Union Minister Narayanaswamy mentioned that the Kantharaj Committee report, which includes a caste census, has been submitted to the state Cabinet. He pointed out that while some Congress leaders from predominant communities have voiced opposition, several Cabinet Ministers—including H.C. Mahadevappa, G. Parameshwara, Priyank Kharge, K.H. Muniyappa, and R.B. Timmapur—have not expressed objections to the data on Scheduled Castes included in the report.

Narayanaswamy explained, "The Kantharaj Commission has not just performed a caste census but has also executed a social and educational survey. The current statistics reveal the population of 101 Scheduled Castes, which largely align with the earlier findings of the Sadashiva Commission and Madhu Swamy Committee reports."

He indicated that ministers Mahadevappa, Parameshwara, and Priyank Kharge have maintained a non-committal stance regarding the Kantharaj report, neither fully endorsing nor rejecting it.

"Thus, they might sustain this ambiguous position concerning the data from the upcoming survey led by Justice H.N. Nagamohan Das. We demand that Siddaramaiah announce a date for the implementation of internal reservations to unequivocally demonstrate his commitment to the cause," he asserted.

BJP State Spokesperson H. Venkatesh Doddahatti and SC Morcha State Vice President Hoodi Manjunath were also present at the event.