Reservation Controversy: Karnataka Backward Caste Federation Issues Warning to CM Siddaramaiah About Statewide Protests
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Bengaluru, Dec 11 (NationPress) The representatives of the Karnataka Backward Caste Federation convened with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru on Wednesday, presenting a memorandum that cautions of a statewide agitation if the Panchamasali Lingayats are awarded reservation status under the 2A Category.
They implored the Chief Minister that the demand from the Panchamasali Lingayat community should not be entertained under any circumstances.
K.M. Ramachandrappa, President of the Federation, remarked that the Panchamasali Lingayats are currently benefiting from the reservation system under the 3B Category. Members from this community are actively protesting and exerting pressure on the government to facilitate their inclusion in the 2A Category, which would allow them access to a 15 percent reservation intended for backward classes.
"The Panchamasali Lingayat community has made advancements in academic, social, economic, and political spheres. Reports from the Dr. Naganagouda Committee, L.G. Havanur Committee, Venkataswamy Backward Classes Second Commission, and Justice O. Chinnappa Reddy have concluded that the Panchamasali Lingayat community is a forward or progressed group," he stated.
"If the Panchamasali Lingayats are categorized under 2A, it would deny reservations to the most backward classes like Agasa, Savita Samaj, Tigala, Ediga, Kuruba, Devanga, and others. The Panchamasali Lingayat community would monopolize all benefits and reservations across employment, education, and political spheres," he cautioned.
"In light of this, the federation has urged the state government to refrain from placing the Panchamasali Lingayats into the 2A Category. Should the government proceed with this inclusion, a vigorous agitation will ensue across the state," Ramachandrappa warned.
The protests by the Panchamasali Lingayat community escalated into violence when demonstrators attempted to lay siege to the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi on Tuesday.
BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra visited the protesters and met with Jagadguru Sri Basava Jayamruthyunjaya Swamiji, who is spearheading the protests. Vijayendra expressed complete support for the Panchamasali demonstration in Belagavi.
The seer mentioned that community leaders are facing "threats" from the Congress government in Karnataka intended to suppress the agitation. He warned that any misstep could lead to a "blood revolution" in the state.
In the aftermath of the violence, the Karnataka BJP alleged that the state government is intentionally stifling the Panchamasali "movement" in Belagavi.
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy expressed his dismay, stating, "It is highly unfortunate that the Congress government in Karnataka has chosen to act like Adolf Hitler to quash the Panchamasali community's struggle."
The seer from Kudalasangama Panchamasali Peeth, Basavaraj Jaya Mruthyunjaya Swami, speaking to the media following the violence on Tuesday, stated that the Karnataka government is attempting to marginalize the Panchamasali protests. "Siddaramaiah is accountable for the violence. We will plan our future protests. The government will face repercussions for its heavy-handedness today," he asserted.
