Bengaluru
The Karnataka BJP has thrown its weight behind nomadic and semi-nomadic communities protesting against what they call unfair internal reservation policies by the state government. The party alleges that the government has marginalized these communities in allocating reservation benefits.
BJP leaders, including former National General Secretary and MLC C.T. Ravi, Legislative Council Opposition Chief Whip N. Ravikumar, and state secretary and MLA Dr. Shailendra Beldale, joined the protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Friday.
Addressing the media, C.T. Ravi criticized the government for placing nomadic communities alongside influential groups, calling it a clear case of social injustice. He emphasized that internal reservation is meant to uplift those deprived of education, resources, and job opportunities, but the government has overlooked these factors.
Ravi also highlighted that reports by Justice Sadashiva, Justice H.N. Nagamohan Das, and former minister Madhuswamy had been ignored. “Previously, Lambani, Bhovi, Koracha, and Korama communities received 4.5% reservation, now reduced, and the nomadic communities, allotted 1%, have been completely sidelined,” he said, calling the move “biased and unconstitutional.”
He questioned the government’s sudden division of Scheduled Caste sub-castes in just two hours, asking whether it was based on population, caste, or socio-economic surveys. Ravi vowed to raise the issue in the legislature, pointing out that despite reports submitted years ago and over Rs 112 crore spent, successive governments have failed to act. “The Supreme Court verdict’s intent has been ignored,” he added, insisting that nomadic communities must be given a voice or history will not forgive.
