Banajigas, Panchamasalis seek inclusion of community MLAs in Cabinet
Leaders from the Lingayat Banajiga and Panchamasali communities are demanding that their respective MLAs be included in the upcoming Karnataka State Cabinet expansion. They have threatened to block a major national highway if their demands are not met by the government.
Why it matters
Caste-based political lobbying remains a significant factor in state-level cabinet formations and governance in India.
MLAs from the Lingayat Banajiga and Panchamasali communities have to be given preference during State Cabinet expansion, community leaders have said.
Addressing a press conference in Yadgir on Tuesday, Channu Sahukar Vali said that they have already placed a demand that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and the former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah give preference to Banajiga and Panchamasali MLAs Allamaprabhu Patil and Vijayanand Kashappanavar during Cabinet expansion.
“However, we haven’t received any positive response from them so far,” he added.
Mr. Vali said that the community will launch a protest by blocking the Bidar-Srirangapatna National Highway near Hattigudur if the demand is not considered immediately.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in