From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Belagavi, Dec 9: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that the Supreme Court’s order and the affidavit submitted by the previous government regarding the Panchamasali 2A reservation will be tabled in the state assembly.

Speaking during the winter session at the Belagavi Suvarna Soudha on Monday, the chief minister addressed concerns raised by opposition parties.

“The Panchamasali community has long demanded inclusion under the 2A category. After assuming office, I have met their leaders, including Jayamrityunjaya Swamiji, twice and assured them of my support. However, the issue requires a report from the State’s Permanent Backward Classes Commission,” he said.

Currently, backward classes in Karnataka are divided into categories 1, 2A, 3A, and 3B. The Panchamasali and Veerashaiva Lingayat communities fall under category 3B.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah explained that the previous Basavaraj Bommai government did not include Panchamasalis under 2A. Instead, it redistributed reservations by canceling the 4% quota for Muslims and reallocating it equally to categories 3A and 3B. This decision was challenged in the Supreme Court by Muslim groups, prompting the BJP-led government to file an affidavit maintaining the status quo. The court’s subsequent order reinforced this position, leaving no room for changes.

“I will present the Supreme Court’s order in the assembly tomorrow,” Siddaramaiah confirmed.

MLA Arvind Bellad suggested delaying the presentation of the court order to Wednesday, as a Panchamasali protest is planned for Tuesday.