Internal quota: Madigas warn Karnataka govt of intensified protests

Bengaluru:  Senior BJP leader and former Union Minister A Narayanaswamy on Friday warned that the protest launched by Madiga organisations will soon evolve into a massive mass movement to overthrow the Congress government for its repeated failure to grant internal reservation to the community.

Addressing a protest rally organised by the Federation of Karnataka Madiga Organisations at Freedom Park, Narayanaswamy declared that the community would no longer wait or succumb to political appeasement. 

“We will not wait until the next election,” he said, while emphasising that this is not a BJP-led movement but a community-driven agitation against the ruling Congress, which has failed to fulfil its electoral promises.

He asserted that the Congress government has failed to deliver justice to the Madiga community, leading to a complete erosion of the community’s patience. “We can’t wait anymore. If we take to the streets, we know we can send you (Congress) home. The community across the state would intensify its agitation, launching a statewide non-cooperation movement, which would eventually escalate into a mass movement to overthrow the government,” he warned.

Lashing out at the Congress leadership, Narayanaswamy highlighted the indifference of the state government, noting the repeated humiliation faced by the community. Citing an example, he said the Chief Secretary refused to hold a meeting to discuss the injustices suffered by Madigas since 1976, despite repeated requests.

He pointed to the widespread protests launched by the Federation in 26 districts across the state, stating that these were a clear symbol of rising consciousness and awakening within the Madiga community.

“Today, protests are taking place in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s offices in 26 districts. This is a sign of Madiga consciousness,” he remarked.

Turning his criticism toward Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Narayanaswamy questioned the authenticity of the CM’s socialist claims. “Where has the CM’s socialism gone?” he asked.

“The so-called socialist Chief Minister who promises justice to everyone — what is he really championing? There is not a single welfare scheme that has been implemented exclusively for Madigas,
who are backward in every field. Where is your socialism when it comes to us?” he demanded.