Protests erupt over SC sub-quota as ‘touchable’ groups decry injustice

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Thousands of members from the Banjara, Bhovi, Koracha, and Korama communities staged a massive protest at Freedom Park on Tuesday, alleging injustice in the recently announced internal reservation under the Scheduled Castes (SC) category.

The protesters claimed that by grouping their “touchable” communities under Category C and allotting only 5% reservation, the government had denied them their rightful share. Expressing their anger, they burnt effigies and shouted slogans against the Congress government.

The protest took a dramatic turn when a woman attempted selfimmolation at the venue. Police quickly intervened to prevent the act, but the incident underscored the depth of resentment among the demonstrators. In another flashpoint, protestors blocked the road near Maharani’s College, causing severe disruption to traffic across KR Circle and leading to a massive jam that stretched for several kilometres.

Commuters were left stranded for hours, with tempers running high among motorists. On August 20, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the decision to split the 17% SC reservation into three categories — 6% for Left-hand communities, 6% for Right-hand communities, and 5% for “touchable” communities such as Banjaras, Bhovis, Korachas, and Koramas.

He said the decision was based on recommendations from the Justice H.N. Nagamohan Das Commission, though with minor modifications. The commission had classified the 101 Scheduled Castes into five groups and submitted a 1,765-page report containing six recommendations to the government.

Siddaramaiah maintained that the move ensured fairness after decades of demands. However, members of the “touchable” groups argue that the sub-quota system deprives them of equal opportunity and deepens divisions within the SC category.

Tuesday’s protest was the latest in a series of demonstrations by these communities since the government’s announcement. Leaders warned that unless the policy is revised, the agitations would escalate in the coming days, increasing pressure on the Congress administration.