Fissures emerge in BJP over Panchamasali quota

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Sharp internal divisions have emerged within the BJP over Panchamasali Lingayat reservation issue as community leaders within the saffron party have launched personal attacks against each other. On Friday, Panchamasali leaders Vijayapura MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal and seer of Kudalasangama mutt Jayamruthyunjaya led a protest against the State government in Shiggaon, Chief Minister’s Basavaraj Bommai’s constituency, even burning the CM’s effigy.

The demonstartors were demanding that their sect be moved to the 2A category, which would enable them to avail reservation under a 15 percent quota. Hundreds blocked the National Highway-48 and blocked traffic on the outskirts of Shiggaon. On Saturday, State Public Works Department (PWD) Minister CC Patil termed the protest “politically motivated” and claimed that Congress workers had participated in the demonstrations.

“Swamiji Jayamruthyunjaya and Basanagouda Patil Yatnal staged a protest claiming that the CM failed to give reservation to Panchamasalis. It is not prudent to burn the effigies of the chief minister and block the highway. The CM is considering the requests of all communities and will do right by them. Swamiji Jayamruthyunjaya must understand. These protests are politically motivated. The CM will take a decision once the Backward Classes (Kantharaj) Commission submits its final report,” Patil told mediapersons.

Yatnal, Nirani trade low blows On the other hand, Yatnal and State Industries Minister got into an ugly spat. Yatnal, evidently referencing Nirani said: “There is a pimp in the cabinet”. Nirani shot back at Yatnal claiming he would “cut out his (Yatnal’s) tongue.”

“This person from Vijayapura (Yatnal) is muttering nonsense. He is calling me names like pimp. It shows his culture. If he carries on like this, then we’ll have to cut his tongue out. If you are having trouble staying in the party, then resign. The people of Vijayapura will answer your drama,” Nirani said. He also echoed Patil’s claim of the protests being “politically motivated.”