The CM’s prestige escalated the Panchamasali quota Issue: MP Basavaraj Bommai

New Delhi, Dec. 13: Former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai alleged that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is adamantly clinging to his prestige regarding the Panchamasali community’s demand for 2A reservation, which has worsened the situation.

Speaking to the media in here on Thursday , he said that it is natural for any government to face such challenges. As society evolves, the aspirations of communities also change. They assert their rights through reservation demands. The social system that existed for 20-30 years has now transformed, with significant social and economic changes. Consequently, such demands have increased. But a government with public interest and common sense should make decisions prudently. Any issue can be resolved through dialogue, which this government seems to have forgotten, he alleged.

Bommai criticized that the Lingayat Panchamasali community has tried multiple times over the past year and a half to meet the Chief Minister but was not given time. Even when given time, their grievances were not addressed, leading to a perception of neglect. As a result, they are protesting on the streets. The government must hold discussions with them and find a solution.

The MP said “During our tenure, we abolished religious-based reservations. Earlier, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh governments had granted religious reservations, but they were rejected. Recently, the Supreme Court in the West Bengal case clearly stated that reservations cannot be granted based on religion. Following this, we categorized the demands under 2C and 2D to address the needs of economically weaker and farming communities within the Panchamasali society, who face numerous hardships such as floods and droughts. It is natural for them to demand reservations to secure their children’s future.”

The former CM alleged that some Congress supporters took the issue to the Supreme Court. However, when they were in power, they ensured their stance was presented in court and sought permission for a detailed argument. The Supreme Court had directed not to implement any orders until the next hearing.

Bommai slammed the Congress government for failing to argue effectively in court after coming to power in June 2023. The current government must take the issue seriously, present their arguments effectively, and deliver justice.

A national issue

Bommai opined that providing justice to one community without causing injustice to others is essential. However, since this is a national issue, as several communities like Gujjars, Marathas, and Jats across the country have similar demands, a national-level discussion and resolution might be required in the future.

He sought to know why the Congress government is struggling to implement an order already issued during their tenure and accused them of harboring resentment towards the community and its leaders, using lathi charges on protestors, and causing bloodshed. Such actions have angered the community, he said, condemning the government’s authoritarian behavior.

He demanded the immediate suspension of officials responsible for the lathi charge and urged the government to hold peaceful discussions with the protestors to resolve the issue. The Panchamasali ministers and MLAs must discuss the matter with the Chief Minister directly and engage with the protestors. The CM must not cling to his prestige and delay finding out the solutions.

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