Panchamasalis Won’t Demand Reservation During Siddaramaiah’s Tenure: Jayamruthyunjaya Swamiji

BELAGAVI –

Kudalasangama Basava Jayamruthyunjaya Swamiji has announced that the Panchamasali community will not seek 2A reservation as long as Siddaramaiah remains the Chief Minister.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, the seer alleged that during the Assembly session, the government attempted to suppress the community's reservation movement through lathi-charge. “We have decided not to press for reservation under this government,” he said.

He welcomed the High Court’s rejection of the Karnataka government’s petition related to the lathi-charge incident during the Panchamasali protest at the winter session. “The assault on peaceful protestors was carried out in collusion with the police, violating democratic norms. We had demanded suspension of the officials involved and even staged a 9-day protest, but the government ignored us,” he said.

The Swamiji added that the community later approached the High Court, challenging the government's actions. On April 4, the court delivered what he called a historic verdict, ordering an inquiry by a three-judge bench within three months. “Despite the deadline, the government has taken no action. It seems they now regret their earlier stand,” he noted.

Calling for justice, the Swamiji urged the state government to shed its stubbornness and allow a proper investigation to determine whether the fault lay with the police or the protestors.