Karnataka Election 2023: After the announcement of Karnataka assembly elections, a round of allegations and counter-allegations has started between political parties in the state. The Lambani community has taken to the streets to protest against the recent decision of the Karnataka government on internal reservation for Scheduled Castes. The community has demanded the Basavaraj Bommai-led government to withdraw this decision before the elections. On this, the CM of Karnataka said that the local Congress leaders are inciting the people. Congress is unable to digest the social justice done to every community and has resorted to inciting violence.
The protesters along with several BJP leaders attacked the office and house of former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa at Shikaripura in Shivamogga. After this Yeddyurappa assured to solve this issue. However, the Lambani community has warned that the protest will continue until their demands are met.
What is the reason for this performance?
The Lambani community has been a significant beneficiary of the Scheduled Caste reservation in the state of Karnataka. However, due to the recent announcement made by the state government, this community is in danger of getting less share of reservation. Earlier in Karnataka, Scheduled Castes were getting 15% reservation. After this, the BJP government in the state increased the reservation by 2% to 17%. Also, in the same cabinet meeting, it was decided to divide SC reservation internally. The SC reservation is then further divided into 6% for SC Left and 5.5% for SC Right, 4.5% for SC Untouchables and 1% for other SC communities.
Under the earlier reservation system, the Lambani community used to get a larger share of up to 10%. However, with internal divisions, it has been fixed at 4.5%, which they find low and unscientific. People of these communities allege that the government has implemented the Sadashiv Committee report without discussing it in any public forum.
"Conspiracy and provocation action of Congress"
Yeddyurappa called a press meet on Monday (March 27) where he said he would visit Shikaripura and talk to the people of the Banjara community. Chief Minister Bommai also clarified that the government has implemented the recommendations of the cabinet sub-committee and not the recommendations of the Sadashiv Commission. Also the CM said, "We have decided that there will be no implementation of Sadashiv Commission in future. He said that Yeddyurappa ji had started the Banjara Thanda Development Board. If there are any issues, we can discuss and sort them out. This is a conspiracy of the Congress and an act of provocation.
Protests are going on in the state since Friday demanding withdrawal of the decision by the Banjara community. The protests have thrown normal life out of gear in many parts of the state. Roads have been blocked and public transport has been affected. The Banjara community has warned that the protest will continue until their demands are met.
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