The police action against Panchamasali Lingayat protesters in Karnataka earlier this week has ignited a major political controversy, sparking an uproar in the state Assembly.
The protests, which turned violent on Tuesday, were met with a lathi charge by the police, resulting in injuries to both demonstrators and officers.
The incident has since become a point of contention between the ruling Congress party and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), leading to multiple adjournments in the legislative proceedings.
The protests were organised by the Panchamasali Lingayat community, which has been demanding inclusion in the 2A category of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation matrix, rather than the current 3B category.
The protesters claim that their current classification is inadequate and impedes their access to social and economic opportunities. The agitation turned violent when demonstrators allegedly threw stones at the police, prompting them to use force in an attempt to disperse the crowd.
In the wake of the police action, the Karnataka Assembly was thrown into chaos. The BJP, which has a significant presence in the Assembly, called for a government apology and a judicial inquiry into the incident.
The opposition party was particularly vocal in demanding accountability from the state government, while the ruling Congress party defended the police's actions. Home Minister G Parameshwara stood firm in his defence, emphasising the need to maintain law and order during the protest.
He also pointed out that the protesters had violated restrictions and even removed barricades before pelting stones at the police, leading to the injuries of 24 police personnel.
BJP members, led by party leader R Ashoka, demanded a statement from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah or the Home Minister, with the Speaker initially assuring the House that the issue would be addressed after the Question Hour.
However, the BJP’s protests and demands for a government apology led to an adjournment. When the House reconvened, Home Minister Parameshwara responded to the criticisms, stating that the police action was a necessary step to maintain public order.
He also questioned whether the opposition expected the government to greet thousands of protesters with "kisses" instead of addressing the situation firmly.
Parameshwara further defended the government’s response, arguing that the protest had escalated beyond control, with over 10,000 people gathered at the protest site.
He noted that although a ministerial delegation had been sent to meet the protesters, their demands for the Chief Minister’s personal visit to the site were unreasonable.
Despite the Home Minister’s defence, the BJP remained adamant in its stance, condemning the use of force and accusing the current government of mishandling the situation.
R Ashoka, who had served as Home Minister under the previous BJP government, argued that a similar protest held in Bengaluru had been dealt with peacefully.
He called for a government apology, action against the police officers responsible for the lathi charge, the withdrawal of cases against the protesters, and a judicial inquiry into the incident.
Within the Congress, the issue became even more politically charged. Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar, a leader from the Panchamasali Lingayat community, accused the BJP of using the protest for political gain.
He further alleged that RSS elements had instigated the violence, which led to a heated exchange between Congress and BJP legislators. The situation became so tense that the Speaker allowed Minister Krishna Byre Gowda to speak, rather than allowing the BJP to make its statement, prompting another adjournment for lunch.
The entire episode underscores the deep divisions within Karnataka's political landscape. On one hand, the protests highlight the Panchamasali Lingayat community's demand for better reservation benefits, a matter that has been a longstanding issue in the state.
On the other hand, the violence and subsequent police action have exposed the fragility of law and order in a politically charged atmosphere.
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