BENGALURU: It resembled more of a public debate on social justice for the Balija community than a convention with former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and BJP state chief B S Yeddyurappa vying against each other to woo the community ahead of 2018 Assembly polls.
Addressing the Balija community convention at the Palace Grounds, Gowda took a dig at both the national parties—the Congress and the BJP.
“Let me see what the two national parties, which are in power at the Centre (BJP) and the state (Congress), can do in delivering social justice to the Balija community.
It was Devaraj Urs who first empowered the backward communities (BCs). As the chief minister, I had provided reservation for the backward classes in the local civic bodies,” he said, stating that only JD(S) was committed to the welfare of the BCs.
The Balijas constitute around 5 per cent of the state population and has a significant presence in many districts, especially in Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Raichur, Bellary, Tumkur and Bengaluru.
The community, led by BJP MP P C Mohan, had been demanding BC-2A category for reservation in jobs and also political reservation in local bodies such as gram panchayat, taluk panchayat and zilla panchayats. “Our presence is significant in around 50 Assembly segments, where the community is a deciding factor,” said Mohan, also the Karnataka Balija Mahasabha president.
Siddaramaiah reiterated his commitment of ensuring social justice for to Balijas. However, he urged the community to wait till the report on caste-based census is out. He promised the community of a decision that would shed more light on their social and economic backwardness.
Yeddyurappa hit out at Siddaramaiah by accusing him of being evasive in addressing the demand of the Balijas. The former CM assured that he would act on fulfilling their demand within 24 hours if BJP is voted to power.
“Balijas was in BC-2A category until 1994, after which it was changed. In 2011, during B S Yeddyurappa’s tenure as the CM, the government took a decision to provide reservation in education for the community. Yeddyurappa has assured the community of accepting our demands as soon as his party comes to power,” Mohan said.
Power Struggle
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa vying against each other to woo the community ahead of the 2018 Assembly elections
Siddaramaiah reiterates his commitment of ensuring social justice for the
community Yeddyurappa assures that he would act on fulfilling their demand within 24 hours if BJP is voted to power