Panchamasali Protests Intensify in Karnataka as BJP Backs Demand for 2A Reservation

Karnataka: Protests by the Panchamasali Lingayat community in Karnataka have intensified, as they demand their inclusion in the 2A category for reservation in government jobs and educational institutions. Currently placed under the 3B category, which allows for five percent reservation, the community seeks migration to the 2A category, which provides a 15 percent reservation.

The protests gained further momentum with the support of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), including senior leaders like Leader of Opposition R Ashoka and BJP state president B Y Vijayendra. The Panchamasali Math pontiff, Basava Jayamruthyunjaya Swami, who is leading the protests, staged demonstrations in Belagavi, criticizing the state government for its response to the demand.

The Karnataka police's lathi charge on protesters earlier this week sparked outrage, drawing sharp criticism from political leaders, including BJP officials. Protests also included roadblocks, such as a demonstration on the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway 4 at Hirebagewadi, and a human chain in Hubballi, with agitators raising slogans against the Congress government, calling them 'anti-Lingayat.'

The situation remains tense, with the community continuing to press for their inclusion in the 2A OBC category.