A key meeting between the Karnataka Congress government and a civic body on the long-standing demand for Category 2A reservation for Panchamasali Lingayats saw chief minister Siddaramaiah affirming that the administration is “open-minded” on the issue.
“Our government stands for social justice, and it is our position that justice should be available to all marginalized groups,” Siddaramaiah said, stressing the government’s commitment to addressing social concerns.
Panchamasali community is currently classified under Category 3B, which provides reservation and benefits for Lingayats and their sub-castes.
However, the team has been demanding to be included under Category 2A, saying that due to lack of suitable facilities, public students are deprived of higher education. They have been demanding this reservation for social justice, especially since a large section of the community consists of farmers.
As the electoral code of conduct is currently in force, the government has told the Panchamasali team that the attorney general, legal department and experts will be consulted before any action is taken. The meeting was scheduled before the implementation of the code.
“No decisions can be taken at this time,” the CM told the delegation, adding that any action would be taken in accordance with the law and spirit of the Constitution.
Siddaramaiah emphasized that “whatever decisions are taken will be made in good faith according to the law”.
The CM said that the Backward Classes Commission is in place, but its final recommendations are yet to reach the government. The team was also informed that the community leaders were previously advised to submit proposals regarding reservations to the Commission for Permanent Backward Classes, and the actions to be taken based on its recommendations. “Any decision should be fair and acceptable to everyone, including the courts,” Siddaramaiah added.
As the Panchamasali Lingayats continue to demand their demands, the Congress government is facing a critical balancing act.
For years, the community has been vocally fighting for inclusion in 2A category to improve its socio-economic standing in Karnataka. The demand for reservation under section 2A seems to be important to the Panchamasali Lingayat community, which wants better representation in government jobs and educational institutions. Despite several rounds of negotiations with successive governments, a concrete decision has not been reached.
Jayamrutynjaya Swamiji, who led the movement demanding reservation for Panchamasalis, expressed his frustration that previous governments had failed to fulfill their promises, despite repeated assurances.
“I am sure that the Congress government will fulfill the promises made,” said this industrialist who has a lot of influence in the society.
Speaking about how the community has been fighting for its demands for years, he also warned the Congress government about the possible unrest in the whole country if it is not met.
This is not the first time that this industry has threatened protests. The Panchamasali community had earlier staged protests across the country, including a massive march to Bengaluru, to pressure the government.
The issue has great political significance, as the Panchamasali Lingayats form an important vote bank in Karnataka. With by-elections to be held on November 13 approaching in Channapatna, Sandur and Shiggaon – where Lingayat votes could decide the outcome, especially in the northern state of Karnataka – this rally is of great importance.
Former chief minister BS Yediyurappa, considered one of the longest-serving Lingayat leaders in Karnataka, has also faced similar demands. At a public meeting held in Haveri in early 2020, the Panchamasali seer, Vachananda Swami, said that Member of Parliament and community leader Muruggesh Nirani should be made a minister as he helped bring the BJP to power.
Yediyurappa, who was present at the meeting, left the stage screaming because of the industry’s speech. However, after a few months, Nirani was finally made a priest.
The demand for 2A reservation was initially pushed by BJP leaders who were not included in Yediyurappa’s 2019 ministry.
Yediyurappa had directed the Karnataka Backward Classes Commission to conduct a survey on the socio-economic and educational status of the Panchamasali community to determine its eligibility for 2A inclusion.
Although he said it was a positive decision, he sent mixed signals when he told the meeting that he did not have the authority to recommend the inclusion of 2A, as the BJP was a national party and “these decisions will need to be taken in consultation with the Prime Minister and other party leaders”.
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