Fri Oct 10 11:18:42 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the provided information followed by a news article based on the text:
**Summary:**
Former Deputy Chief Minister K.S. Eshwarappa is urging current Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to clarify the state government’s position and response to the Central Government regarding the proposed Scheduled Tribe (ST) tag for the Kuruba community. Eshwarappa highlights the previous BJP government’s recommendation for the ST tag following Kuruba-led protests, and expresses concern that the Centre is now seeking clarifications from the current Congress government. He argues that all deserving castes should have the right to demand ST status, and the reservation quota should be adjusted accordingly to account for new inclusions.
**News Article:**
**Eshwarappa Presses Siddaramaiah on Kuruba ST Status, Urges State Government to Respond to Centre**
**Shivamogga, October 10, 2025:** Former Deputy Chief Minister K.S. Eshwarappa has publicly called on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to address the ongoing issue of Scheduled Tribe (ST) classification for the Kuruba community. Speaking at a press conference today, Eshwarappa demanded clarity on the State Government’s stance and its response to inquiries from the Central Government regarding the matter.
Eshwarappa emphasized that the previous BJP government, led by Basavaraj Bommai, had recommended the ST tag for the Kurubas after significant protests and a “padayatra” (long march) led by religious leader Niranjanandapuri Swamy and other community members. He acknowledged his own role in advocating for the ST classification.
“CM Siddaramaiah himself recalled my efforts in organizing the padayatra… I have no hesitation to admit my role in it,” Eshwarappa stated, referring to a recent Valmiki Jayanti celebration. He further explained that the previous government’s decision was based on an ethnographic study of the caste.
According to Eshwarappa, the Centre is now seeking clarifications from the Karnataka government on the initial recommendation. He urged the Siddaramaiah administration to respond promptly.
“Now, the Centre is said to have sought clarifications from the State Government on the recommendation. I wish the state government would respond to it,” he said.
Beyond the Kuruba issue, Eshwarappa argued that any caste deserving of ST status should have the right to demand it. He also suggested that the existing reservation system should be adjusted to accommodate the inclusion of new castes under the ST category, ensuring representation is proportional to population size. “With the inclusion of the new castes under the STs, the quantum of reservation should go in tune with the population,” he added.
The issue of ST classification remains a sensitive one in Karnataka, with potential implications for social equity and political dynamics. Eshwarappa’s comments are likely to put further pressure on the state government to address the issue decisively.
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