Karnataka: Protest outside Yediyurappa's residence over reservation; Section 144 imposed
A massive protest erupted outside former Karnataka chief minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader BS Yediyurappa's residence in Shivamogga's Shikaripura, demanding the withdrawal of the state government's recent move on the internal reservation for the Scheduled Castes. Protesters from the Banjara and Bhovi communities vented out their anger, claiming "less" reservation was given to the "Scheduled Caste-Touchables," to which the Banjara community belongs.
Why does this story matter?
The protest erupted after CM Basavaraj Bommai-led BJP government in Karnataka recently recommended to the central government a new breakdown of the reservation for Scheduled Castes (SC) in jobs and education. As per the new recommendation, out of the 17% reservation for the SC community, 6% is earmarked for Scheduled Castes (left), 5.5% for Scheduled Castes (right), 4.5% for "touchables," and 1% for others.
Section 144 imposed in Shikaripura
According to the news agency PTI, prohibitory orders have been imposed in Shikaripura under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). Reports also claimed that the police used batons to disperse the unruly mob, which also included women. Furthermore, some members of the Banjara community, also known as Lambani or Lamani, sustained injuries.
Visuals of current situation outside Yediyurappa's home
Reason behind Bommai government's recent move
Notably, the recent reservation decision was based on a report by the Justice AJ Sadashiva Inquiry Commission, which was established in 2005 by the then Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) government to investigate the need for and means of sub-classifying SC reservations in the state. On Thursday, the state government wrote to the Centre, requesting the proposal be added to the ninth schedule of the Constitution.
Details on Karnataka government's new reservation system
Reportedly, the Karnataka government decided to implement internal reservation for different caste groups— or reservation for groups that constitute larger communities like the SCs—as part of its "review." "This cabinet sub-committee, after much deliberation, has come to a conclusion that under the existing SC reservation, everyone should get justice; in proportion to their population and their status," said Bommai.
Karnataka scraps 4% OBC quota for Muslims
Separately, ahead of the Assembly elections this year, the BJP-led Karnataka government also ended the 4% Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation for Muslims last week. This quota has instead been split between the highly-influential castes of Vokkaligas (2%) and Lingayats (2%) under two reservation categories created last year. Moreover, these Muslims would now be moved to the 10% Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category.
Here's what CM Bommai said last week
Announcing the decision to scrap the Muslim OBC reservation last week, Bommai said, "Constitutionally, they have said it very simply. Those castes which are not under SC/ST, OBC reservation...everyone else can be under economically weaker section (sic)." "From a 4% pool, they (religious minorities) can now avail of 10%. But the conditions are the same," The Print quoted him as saying.
