Protestors Attack BJP Leader BS Yediyurappa’s home, office over reservation

Bengaluru: An agitating mob hurled stones at the office and home of former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa at Shikaripura in Shivmogga district of Karnataka on Monday. Banjara and Bhovi communities in Shivamogga district on Monday.

Police used batons to disperse a large number of protesters including women. Some members of the Banjara community, who are also known as Lamani or Lambani, were injured.

These two communities are protesting against the internal reservation for the Scheduled Castes (SCs) announced by the state government. The Basavaraj Bommai-led BJP government has recommended to the centre a new breakup of the reservation for Scheduled Castes in education and jobs. They have recommended that out of the 17 per cent reservation for the Scheduled Castes, 6 per cent be earmarked for Scheduled Castes (left), 5.5 per cent for Scheduled Castes (right), 4.5 per cent for “touchables” and one per cent to others.

Leaders of the Banjara community have alleged that they would lose out due to the state government’s decision on reservation and demanded that the state government immediately withdraw the recommendation to the centre.

Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC have been imposed in Shikaripura town after protesters pelted stones, injuring police officers.