Violence Erupts Over Lingayat Panchamasali Quota Protest in Karnataka's Belagavi

Protests demanding an increased quota for the Lingayat Panchamasali community turned violent in Karnataka's Belagavi on Tuesday. The agitation, led by the community's religious leader Basavajaya Mrityunjay Swamiji, escalated when protesters clashed with police after attempting to breach security and march on the Vidhan Soudha during the winter session of the state Assembly.

Police Lathi-Charge and Arrests

The situation deteriorated as police resorted to a lathi-charge to control the crowd. Opposition BJP lawmakers, Mrityunjay Swamiji, and several supporters were taken into preventive custody. Videos from the protest showed disturbing scenes of violence, including injured demonstrators, damaged vehicles, and police dispersing protesters into waiting buses.

Government and private vehicles, including those of MLAs, were damaged during the clashes. Protesters carrying saffron flags and chanting slogans vowed to continue their agitation unless their demands were met.

Political Tensions Rise

The protests have sparked a political war of words between the ruling Congress and the BJP. BJP leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, a vocal supporter of the Panchamasali community’s demand, criticized the Congress government for the crackdown, accusing it of stifling dissent.

"Can no one raise their voice against this government?" Yatnal asked, accusing Congress of using force to suppress peaceful protests. BJP spokesperson GS Prashanth echoed similar sentiments, accusing the Congress of bias and suggesting the government’s actions were linked to its intention to reinstate the four percent Muslim quota, which was scrapped under the BJP.

Congress Responds

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defended his government's actions, emphasizing that the administration is awaiting the Backward Classes Commission’s report before making any decisions. The Congress also accused the BJP of failing to act on their promises to the community during their tenure, including an affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court to maintain the status quo on reservations.

The Quota Demand

The Panchamasali sect, a prominent group within the Lingayat community, currently enjoys five percent reservation in government jobs and educational institutions. They are now pushing for a 15 percent quota, citing socio-economic backwardness. The community played a crucial role in the Congress' victory in the last Assembly elections, making this issue a significant political flashpoint.

The winter session of the Assembly, which began on Monday, has seen repeated disruptions over the issue. Tensions escalated further after the House was adjourned on Tuesday following the death of former Chief Minister SM Krishna.

As protests continue, the demand for an increased quota remains a key challenge for the Karnataka government.