Karnataka Reservation Controversy: Backward Class Leader Issues Strong Warning to Lingayat Seer
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Bengaluru, Dec 14 (NationPress) The ongoing reservation quota dispute in Karnataka intensified on Saturday when the President of the Backward Classes Awareness Forum, K.S. Shivaramu, issued a serious warning to the Kudalasangama Panchamasali Mutt seer, Basava Jayamrutynjaya, stating that "if he attempts to remove the reservation quota for backward classes, his hands would be severed".
While addressing the media in Mysuru following a forum meeting, Shivaramu expressed his outrage regarding the protests initiated by the Panchamasali Lingayats, who are seeking reservation under the 2A Category.
At present, various backward castes are receiving reservations across all sectors under the 2A Category, which entails a 15 percent reservation from the government.
He stated, "If anyone tries to take away our reservation, we will sever their hands. We condemn the agitation led by Jayamrutynjaya Seer. He is behaving like a political figure."
Shivaramu criticized the seer for making derogatory comments about Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, asserting that as a 'Swamiji', he should not advocate for a specific caste and is unfit for his position.
He added, "It is advisable for him to renounce his sainthood. We respect the saffron attire, and it's important to uphold its dignity. The reservation issue is currently pending in the Supreme Court. As a seer, he is inciting violence, potentially disrupting the harmony among backward classes, Veerashaivas, and Lingayats."
Shivaramu accused the seer of being a puppet of the BJP and plotting against CM Siddaramaiah, suggesting that this situation could lead to further controversy in the state.
Meanwhile, Basava Jayamrutynjaya Swamiji held a press conference in Belagavi on Saturday, continuing his criticisms of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
CM Siddaramaiah labeled the Panchamasali Lingayats' demand for reservation as unconstitutional, making his disdain for the Lingayat community evident.
The seer claimed that the Chief Minister's remarks insulted all followers of Basavanna, demanding that Siddaramaiah suspend Cabinet minister Laxmi Hebbalkar and other Congress MLAs and MLCs involved in the agitation if he considers it unconstitutional.
He urged the state government not to mislead the public by invoking Ambedkar and the Constitution, accusing Siddaramaiah of undermining their reservation movement.
The Panchamasali Lingayats' protest turned violent on Tuesday when they attempted to breach the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha to meet CM Siddaramaiah, resulting in police using cane charges to disperse the crowd.
In response to the backlash regarding the police's actions against the protesters advocating for Panchamasali Lingayat reservations in Belagavi, CM Siddaramaiah stated that the law applies equally to everyone and that the seer had violated it.
When questioned about the demands of the Panchamasali Lingayats, the Chief Minister advised them to consult the Permanent Backward Classes Commission.
Currently, the Panchamasali Lingayats are seeking reservation under the 2A Category, which allocates 15 percent reservation to backward communities. Presently, Lingayats, including the economically disadvantaged Panchamasali sect, receive reservations under the 3B Category alongside Christians and others.
