Quota Controversy: Siddaramaiah Accuses Panchamasali Seer of Legal Breach

Vijayapura, Dec 13 (NationPress) Addressing the backlash over the police's lathi-charge on demonstrators seeking reservations for the Panchamasali Lingayat community in Belagavi, Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated on Friday that the law applies equally to everyone, and the Panchamasali seer has infringed it.

"The law is the same for Basava Jayamrutynjaya Swamiji of the Kudalasangama Panchamasali mutt. It holds true for me and the media as well. Article 24 of the Constitution guarantees equality before the law and ensures equal protection under the law. Are you aware of this?" CM Siddaramaiah remarked while addressing the media in Vijayapura.

He further mentioned that the government cannot remain passive if the public faces disturbances caused by anyone acting outside the law.

"We support the Panchamasali community's right to demand reservation under Category 2A and to protest for it. However, such protests must remain peaceful, and no individual is allowed to take the law into their own hands," he emphasized.

In response to the Swamiji's remarks labeling him as "heartless," the Chief Minister replied, "The decision lies with the people."

He reaffirmed that all individuals, including Swamijis, are equal before the law.

"According to Article 14 of the Constitution, the law ensures equal protection for everyone," he added.

When asked about the opposition's call for the inclusion of the Panchamasali community in Category 2A, the Chief Minister remarked, "They are free to voice their opinions. Swamijis also possess the right to express their thoughts. Ultimately, our actions will align with the Constitution."

Responding to the BJP's allegations that police threw stones at Panchamasali protestors during the siege of Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi, CM Siddaramaiah countered, "We have evidence showing protestors throwing stones and damaging barricades. Why did Swamiji sit on the road?"

"If the protestors hadn't thrown stones, how did over 20 police officers sustain injuries? Did the police injure themselves?" he queried.

Regarding the demands from the Panchamasali Lingayats, the Chief Minister suggested that they should approach the Permanent Backward Classes Commission.

He referenced a report by the former chairman of the Permanent Backward Class Commission, Jayaprakash Hegde, who served during the BJP government, indicating that the current 2A and 2B categories should remain intact, and no new additions should be made. He also noted that the 4% reservation under 2B should not be revoked.

The Chief Minister questioned the absence of protests when these changes were enacted during the BJP's administration.

"Currently, the same BJP is backing the protest. The BJP government eliminated the 4% reservation for Muslims, allocating 2% for 3A (Vokkaligas) and 2% for 3B (Lingayats). This decision was contested in court by a Muslim citizen named Rasool, leading the BJP government to agree not to alter the reservation structure," CM Siddaramaiah stated.

He explained that the protestors had previously declared their intent to use tractors for their demonstration before approaching the court, which instructed that the protest be conducted peacefully.

"Nonetheless, the protestors tried to take the law into their own hands. I had dispatched senior ministers, including H.C. Mahadevappa and K. Venkatesh. They began to breach court orders and act unlawfully," CM Siddaramaiah stated.

The protest by the Panchamasali Lingayats escalated into violence on Tuesday when they attempted to breach the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha to meet CM Siddaramaiah, prompting police to resort to lathi-charge to disperse the crowd.