What Is the Karnataka BJP Demanding from the Congress Government on Internal Reservation?

Bengaluru, Aug 12 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has called upon the Congress-led state government on Tuesday to clarify its position on the matter of internal reservation by August 16, warning that a significant protest will ensue if the government fails to respond appropriately.

Former Union Minister and senior BJP leader A. Narayanaswamy stated, "The Congress-led government in Karnataka needs to declare a clear position on internal reservation by August 16. Should it neglect to do so, we will initiate a non-cooperation movement following that date."

His remarks were made during a media interaction at a workshop hosted by the Karnataka Madiga Organisations' Federation at Sir Puttanna Chetty Town Hall in Bengaluru, focusing on the enforcement of the Justice Nagamohan Das report.

Narayanaswamy emphasized that, according to the comprehensive findings of the reports, reservation for the Madiga community should be increased from 6% to 7% or 8%.

He insisted that the state government should go beyond merely providing reservation and also introduce special initiatives for the community.

"In the results of the Common Entrance Test, Madigas have qualified in very minimal numbers. Out of 2,500 seats available in state universities, only 600 are occupied by students from our community. This highlights our educational challenges," he asserted.

He pointed out that the report recommends internal reservation based on population, noting that there are 36.69 lakh Madigas.

"If we include another related community, the number rises to 41 lakh. This crucial point must not be ignored," he remarked in response to a question.

Narayanaswamy also mentioned that the Supreme Court has indicated that reservation should be based on backwardness.

"Madigas typically do not have the inclination to join hostels, and their educational progress remains stagnant. If they are excluded from the mainstream, it falls upon politicians, MLAs, and Ministers to advocate for this matter in the Assembly for the sake of social justice," he demanded.

"Legislators elected for social reform should advocate for social justice in the Assembly; otherwise, he asked, for whose advantage is their legislative role?" Narayanaswamy questioned.

"If the Cabinet is committed to social justice, it should announce internal reservation by August 16. If not, no further discussions will occur and protests will commence," he asserted.

State BJP President and MLA, B.Y. Vijayendra, while addressing the workshop on implementing the Justice Nagamohan Das report, stated that ensuring justice for the most marginalized in society aligns with Deendayal Upadhyaya's Antyodaya philosophy.

"Economic, social, and educational empowerment is vital. With a commitment to securing justice for their children and uplifting them in society, the community has been engaged in a relentless struggle for the last 30 years.

BJP MP Govind Karjol urged the state government to implement either the Justice Nagamohan Das report or the Madhuswamy report promptly.

He cautioned the state government that if it procrastinates under any pretext, the populace will take to the streets.

"If promises are not fulfilled, it will become difficult for state government representatives to move freely, and even the administration from Vidhana Soudha will face challenges," he warned.