Panchamasali Lingayats Press CM Siddaramaiah for Reservations on Eve of Karnataka Bypolls

A crucial meeting between Karnataka’s Congress government and a community delegation on the long-pending demand for Category 2A reservation for Panchamasali Lingayats saw chief minister Siddaramaiah assuring that the administration has an “open mind” on the issue.

“Our government stands for social justice, and it is our stance that justice should be available to all marginalised groups,” said Siddaramaiah, reinforcing the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of the community.

The Panchamasali community is currently classified under Category 3B, which offers reservations and benefits for Lingayats and their sub-categories.

However, the delegation has been pushing for its inclusion under Category 2A, stating that, due to a lack of suitable reservations, students from the community are being deprived of higher education. They have been seeking this reservation for social justice, particularly as a large part of the community consists of agriculturalists.

With the election code of conduct currently in effect, the government told the Panchamasali delegation that discussions would be held with the advocate general, the legal department, and experts before any action is taken. The meeting had been scheduled prior to the implementation of the code.

“No decisions can be made at this time,” the CM told the delegation, adding that any action would be taken in accordance with the law and the spirit of the Constitution.

Siddaramaiah emphasised that “any decisions made will be carried out honestly 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. It was also communicated to the delegation that community leaders had been previously advised to submit proposals regarding reservations to the permanent Backward Classes Commission, with actions to be based on its recommendations. “Any decision should be just and acceptable to everyone, including the courts,” Siddaramaiah added.

As the Panchamasali Lingayats continue to push for their demands, the Congress government faces a delicate balancing act.

For years, the community has been vocal in pushing for its inclusion in the 2A category to improve its socio-economic standing in Karnataka. The demand for reservation under the 2A category is seen as vital for the Panchamasali Lingayat community, which seeks better representation in government jobs and educational institutions. Despite multiple rounds of negotiations with successive governments, a concrete resolution has not been reached.

Jayamrutynjaya Swamiji, who has been spearheading the movement seeking reservation for Panchamasalis, expressed his frustration that previous governments had failed to deliver on their promises, despite repeated assurances.

“I am confident that the Congress government will fulfil the promises made,” said the seer, who has a significant influence over the community.

Speaking on how the community had been advocating for its demands for years, he also warned the Congress government of a potential statewide agitation if they were not met.

This is not the first time the seer has threatened protests. The Panchamasali community previously staged demonstrations across the state, including a massive march to Bengaluru, to pressure the government.

The issue holds substantial political significance, as Panchamasali Lingayats form a crucial vote bank in Karnataka. With assembly by-elections on November 13 approaching in Channapatna, Sandur, and Shiggaon — where Lingayat votes could determine the outcome, especially in the northern Karnataka region — this meeting takes on added importance.

Former chief minister BS Yediyurappa, considered one of the tallest Lingayat leaders in Karnataka, had also faced similar demands. At a public meeting in Haveri in early 2020, a Panchamasali seer, Vachananda Swami, had said that MLA and community leader Murugesh Nirani must be made a minister as it helped bring the BJP to power.

Yediyurappa, who was present at the meeting, walked off the stage in a huff over the seer’s remarks. However, after a few months, Nirani was eventually made a minister.

The demand for 2A reservation was initially fuelled by BJP leaders who were excluded from Yediyurappa’s ministry in 2019.

Yediyurappa had directed the Karnataka Backward Classes Commission to conduct a study on the socio-economic and educational status of the Panchamasali community to determine their eligibility for 2A inclusion.

Although he hinted at a favourable decision, he sent mixed signals by stating in the assembly that he did not have the authority to recommend 2A inclusion, as the BJP was a national party and “such decisions would need to be made on the advice of the Prime Minister and other party leaders”.