Karnataka: A massive protest was witnessed outside the residence of BJP veteran and former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa in Shivamogga district against the implementation of the former Justice Sadashiva Commission's report over the reservation.
Agitating members of the Banjara community targeted Yediyurappa's house and resorted to stone-pelting in which some cops were also injured. The protest was against the internal reservation for the Scheduled Castes (SCs) announced by the state government.
Following this protest, Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC have been imposed in the town. Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj Bommai has blamed the Congress party behind this protest.
“Local Congress leaders are instigating people. The Congress is unable to digest the social justice done to every community and it resorted to inciting violence. Banjara community should not fall for any hearsay,” he told reporters.
As the crowd went uncontrollable, cops resorted to lathi charge in which some members of the Banjara community were injured.
The Karnataka Cabinet had last week decided to introduce internal reservation amongst the SCs.
After hiking reservation for the Scheduled Castes from 15 per cent to 17 per cent, the government announced that 6 per cent reservation would be given to SC left sub-category, 5.5 per cent to SC right, 4.5 per cent to Touchables and one per cent to others.
The state government also wrote to the Centre recommending that the proposal be included in the ninth schedule of the Constitution.
Appealing to the leaders of Banjara community to exercise caution, Bommai clarified that the government implemented the cabinet sub-committee recommendation and not the Sadashiva Commission recommendations.
“They (Lambanis) have apprehension that they will be removed from the SC list. It was me who ordered that Bovi, Lamani, and other communities such as Korcha and Korma be retained in the SC list. There is no question of removing them. Hence, an order has been passed and sent to the central government. There is no need to fear,” Bommai said.
He further clarified that the SC reservation for the ‘touchables’ has been increased from three per cent to 4.5 per cent.
“We have fulfilled their demands. I want to tell the Banjara community leaders that there is no confusion about it. We (BJP government) have protected your community’s interests. We have distributed 2.5 lakh 'Hakku Patra' to those residing in Lamani Tandas (hamlets). So, this is in your favour only,” the CM explained.
“There should not be any room for violence. If there is any issue, then it can be resolved by sitting across the table,” he said.
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