Ugrappa urged a detailed study to verify Kurubas’ tribal status and social backwardness.
Bengaluru
Congress leader VS Ugrappa on Wednesday expressed strong opposition to the proposal to include the Kuruba community in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list, asserting that such a move could disrupt the balance of reservations and adversely affect the most backward communities.
Speaking at a function in the Vidhana Soudha banquet hall in the presence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Ugrappa warned, “Don’t go snatching the rice from my plate. If you want to sit in the same row with us, bring your plate and food and eat with us.” He emphasized that power is temporary and leaders must focus on preparing future generations to uphold their ideology.
Ugrappa recalled that the Basavaraj Bommai-led BJP government had recommended including Kurubas in the ST list. He stated that before any such inclusion, a detailed study must be conducted to determine whether Kurubas truly belong to a tribal community and assess their social, educational, and economic backwardness.
He further demanded that if the Kuruba community is shifted from the OBC to ST category, the ST reservation in education, employment, and other sectors should be proportionally increased to 14 percent. Ugrappa urged the Karnataka government to press the Union government to implement this adjustment to ensure fairness.
The Congress leader warned that he is ready to act as the voice of the people and confront any decision that undermines the rights and welfare of existing ST communities, reinforcing his commitment to protecting the interests of the most backward sections of society.