Karnataka CM Yediyurappa promises hike in reservation for STs after seer warns hunger strike

Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa announced that he would take suitable steps soon on increasing the reservation percentage for ST communities from the existing 3% to 7.5% soon after Maharshi Valmiki Gurupeetha Seer Prasannananda Swami warned that he would stage a hunger strike if the hike in reservation is not announced in a month, in the two-day Valmiki Fair organised by Maharshi Valmiki Gurupeetha at Rajanahalli in Harihar taluk on Tuesday.

Though the Chief Minister was scheduled to deliver his speech at the event, the seer delivered the speech and warned that he would stage hunger strike on the premises of the mutt from March 10 if the government fails to announce 7.5% reservation for ST communities in the state. He also asked people of the community, who gathered in thousands whether they would stand by him if he dies in his fight for the reservation. This triggered tension at the dais.

The Chief Minister, ministers, MLAs of the community asked the seer not to make such comments. Later, the seer said he would withdraw his words as the Chief Minister promised to hike the reservation. "I am not asking this for personal gains but for the welfare of people of the community. The Chief Minister is like our father and children would ask the father to meet the demand," the seer quipped.

Later, in his speech, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said, "The seer has the right to ask the government to hike reservation for the community on behalf of people of the community. I would fulfil it soon."