Tue Dec 10 04:27:43 UTC 2024: **Karnataka CM Accuses BJP of Hypocrisy Over Panchamasali Reservation**

BELAGAVI, Karnataka – Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday accused the BJP of hypocrisy regarding the Panchamasali Lingayat community’s demand for increased reservation. He alleged that the previous BJP government had assured the Supreme Court it would maintain the status quo on reservation, contradicting the BJP’s current claims of working towards increased reservation for the community.

Siddaramaiah’s statement came in response to BJP MLA Basanagouda R. Patil Yatnal’s demand for increased reservation ahead of a planned Panchamasali community protest in Belagavi. The CM promised to release a copy of the Supreme Court directive stemming from the BJP’s undertaking. He further noted that the BJP government had previously redistributed a portion of Muslim reservation to the Panchamasali community but then pledged to maintain the status quo in a Supreme Court affidavit.

Earlier, BJP MLAs staged a protest in the state assembly against a Belagavi district administration order banning entry of tractors and heavy vehicles into the city due to concerns about the planned Panchamasali protest. Home Minister G. Parameshwara explained the ban, citing intelligence suggesting thousands of tractors would be brought in. He offered a compromise, suggesting restricted vehicle entry if the number of vehicles was reduced. The BJP MLAs subsequently withdrew their protest.

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