Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa is said to have “personally” urged the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes to expedite the submission of a report on giving Category 2A reservation for the Panchamasali sub-sect of the Lingayat community.
According to sources, Yediyurappa spoke with Commission chairperson Jayaprakash Hegde on this.
Last week, Yediyurappa referred the matter to the Commission after facing backlash when he announced in the Legislative Assembly that he could do nothing on the demand to include the Panchamasalis under Category 2A. The Panchamasalis are the numerically-stronger Lingayats.
It is said that Yediyurappa is wary of a massive rally the Panchamasali leaders have planned in Bengaluru on February 21 to press for their demand on Category 2A reservation. He is looking to defuse the situation by getting the report ready and taking the necessary next steps.
Lingayats are seen as the BJP’s core support base. Upsetting the sub-sects may cause a split in the community, which could be disadvantageous to the BJP. Yediyurappa himself is a Lingayat but from the Ganiga sub-sect.
Currently, all Veerashaiva-Lingayats come under Category 3B that has a 5% reservation. Under Category 2A, the Panchamasalis will get 15% reservation.
Apparently, on Wednesday night, Panchamasali leaders from across party lines held a meeting to discuss the upcoming rally. The BJP members are not keen on holding the rally inside Bengaluru, suggesting BIEC on Tumakuru Road as the venue. Those from the Congress and JD(S) want it at Palace Grounds.