New Delhi: The ongoing protests by the Panchamasali Lingayat community escalated into violence on Tuesday, prompting police to resort to a lathi charge near the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi, where the Karnataka Legislative session is underway.
The demonstration, led by Basava Jaya Mruthyunjaya Swami, sought the inclusion of the Panchamasali Lingayat community in the 2A reservation category, which provides 15% reservation in government jobs and educational institutions. Currently classified under the 3B category, the community receives only 5% reservation.
#WATCH | Karnataka: A large number of people gathered in Belagavi to demonstrate over Panchamasali Lingayats’ reservation demand under 2A category. Police used mild force to disperse them. pic.twitter.com/2YLTGdpkbm
— ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2024
Protestors breach barricades, vandalise vehicles
Tensions rose as protestors breached barricades and vandalised government vehicles, including those belonging to MLAs and MLCs. The situation escalated further, prompting additional director general of police (ADGP), law and order, R Hitendra, to order a lathi charge to disperse the crowd.
Several demonstrators suffered injuries during the police action and were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities also detained several protestors under preventive custody to maintain order.
Meanwhile chief minister Siddaramaiah, speaking in the legislative assembly on Monday, addressed the issue of reservations, hinting at the possible restoration of the 4% Muslim quota under the 2B category. He criticised the previous BJP government for redistributing the quota, claiming it caused injustice.
BJP, JD(S) leaders criticise Congress govt
“The BJP government took away the 4% Muslim quota under 2B and divided it among Veerashaiva-Lingayats and Vokkaligas. Yet, the same government later filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court stating it would maintain the status quo,” Siddaramaiah said. He promised to table the affidavit to substantiate his claims during Wednesday’s session.
Opposition BJP and JD(S) leaders accused the Congress government of stifling democratic rights by restricting the Panchamasali Lingayats’ planned gherao of the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. BJP legislators stormed the well of the house, alleging a crackdown on free speech.
Belagavi Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan had earlier imposed restrictions on vehicles and tractors at the rally, citing potential law and order disruptions. The BJP criticised this decision, demanding direct engagement with the protesting community to address their grievances.
