Panchamasalis reject three-member committee, seek CM’s assurance

The Panchamasali community has decided to continue their dharna seeking reservation under 2A category until they get assurance from Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on fulfilling their demand in the Legislative Assembly.

"We will continue the dharna until CM clarifies by when he will fulfill our demands," Basava Jayamrutyunjaya Swami of Kudalasangama Peetha told DH. The meeting, held on Thursday, also resolved to reject the government decision to set up a three-member committee to look into the reservation demands.

BJP MLAs Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and Siddu Savadi, and former Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar took part in the meeting.

According to sources, Yatnal said that it would be impossible for the BJP to expel him, considering his popularity in the community. It was displayed at the convention held recently, he said, adding that any action against him would hurt BJP's prospects.

Meanwhile, the Kurubara ST Horata Samithi decided to continue the agitation. Minister Eshwarappa was urged by the community leaders to fix an appointment with PM and Home Minister Amit Shah to press for their demands, including ST tag.