From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Mar 28: The attack and stone pelting at Lingayat community stalwart and former BJP chief minister B S Yediyurappa’s residence at Shikaripur in Shivamogga district is ‘part of ruling BJP’s larger strategy to finish him off politically’, claimed KPCC chief D K Shivakumar in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

Speaking to media persons, he said: “It is obvious that it was chief minister BasavarajBommai, who created all this confusion and controversy on the reservation issue. Therefore, it is natural for the aggrieved persons or community to protest against those in power. But the very fact that the attack and stone pelting did not happen at the residences of either the chief minister or any of the ministers proves that it is part of BJP’s sinister design.’’

Sharply reacting to the BJP allegation that the attack on Yediyurappa’s house was instigated by the Congress party, Shivakumar said it is obvious that the attack happened due to internal politics of the ruling party as they are upset at Yediyurappa because both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have started praising the former chief minister after his unceremonious ouster, when Yediyurappa publicly cried at the time of announcing his resignation.

“After being removed from power and sidelining Yediyurappa, now Amit Shah has visited his residence and shows that they have good relationship. It is evident that Amit Shah has now indirectly admitted as to how crucial the Lingayat leader is for the ruling party. There are efforts to control the former chief minister,’’ he said.

Shivakumar said there is confusion and controversy in different states over the reservation issue. In such a situation, it is strange that the Bommai government has taken unilateral decision on reservation without any scientific basis or studies. Has the Backward Classes Commission in its report submitted in December, suggested increasing the reservation or on internal reservation and how can the government act without getting the final report.

The KPCC chief said the decision on reservation must be protected through a constitutional amendment and not merely on the basis of a State Cabinet decision as the Election Commission is set to announce the calendar of events. “This kind of election gimmick will not work,’’ he said.

He also attacked the government by pointing out that neither the Vokkaliga or Lingayat community seers nor leaders had demanded reservation by snatching the quota already given to the minority Muslim community.

“Did the Vokkaliga or Lingayat seers demand reservation by snatching the quota of Muslims? Vokkaligas and Lingayats had demanded increase in reservation on the basis of their population at 12% and 15% respectively and not by snatching 2% reservation from Muslims. If the government is really serious about doing justice on the reservation issue, let them increase the total reservation from 56% by including the Vokkaligas and Lingayats too. After all, they claim theirs is double engine government,’’ he said.

The KPCC Chief said the Congress party is clear in its stand that the reservation of Muslims should not be disturbed. The Congress party will take a decision to protect the interests of minorities, Vokkaligas and Lingayats as the party believes in social justice.

Cong Second List after March 30

He complimented the Lokayukta police for taking action and arresting BJP’s Channagiri MLA Madal Virupakshappa. The ruling party had protected the MLA and had ensured that he was not arrested till he secured bail. Now that his bail has been cancelled, he had to be arrested. It is time for the Lokayukta police to complete the investigation.

Answering questions, he said there is no confusion regarding the party’s second list of candidates. It will be released after March 30, he said.

To a question on JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy’s statement that both the national parties have approached him, Shivakumar said: “We have not contacted him or anybody. We are confident of coming to power on our own and we do not need anybody’s support. Instead of trying to create confusion, let him disclose the name of the person who has contacted him.’’