Panchamasalis quota stir: Community should approach BC panel, says Siddaramaiah

The CM issued the clarification against the backdrop of an intensifying stir by the Panchamasali community, which is demanding inclusion in the 2A category.

Vijayapura: Citing the directive of the Jayaprakash Hegde-led Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission issued during the previous BJP government’s tenure, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Friday that no additions can be made to the existing list 2A and 2B categories.

The CM clarified against the backdrop of an intensifying stir by the Panchamasali community, which is demanding inclusion in the 2A category.

Speaking to reporters here Siddaramaiah said, “The Panchamasali community will have to place its demand before the Karnataka Backward Classes Commission, which will then examine the plea, and make a recommendation to the state government.”

Accusing the BJP of misleading the state on the issue, Siddaramaiah said, “It was the BJP government that struck down the 4 per cent quota for Muslims and divided it equally among the Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities. A man called Rasool moved the court questioning this decision, and the BJP subsequently told the court that it would not make any changes to the reservation matrix.”

Defending the lathicharge on the protesters, the CM said we have photographic evidence of the protesters throwing stones on policemen and breaching the barricade.

Replying to a query, Siddaramaiah said, “Three ministers were sent to protesters. But the Panchamasali leaders, including the seer, declined our offer for talks.”