Panchamasali Issue: Government must apologize to Lingayats, demands Mrutyunjaya Swamiji

Team Udayavani, Dec 11, 2024, 8:22 PM IST

 Belagavi: Sri Basavajay Mrutyunjaya Swamiji of Kudalasangama Panchamasali Peetha has strongly condemned the police for assaulting Lingayat Panchamasali reservation protestors in plainclothes. He demanded an immediate apology from the government and the suspension of the officers involved in the incident.

Speaking at a press conference in the city on Wednesday, Swamiji said, “No previous government has ever resorted to such oppressive measures during peaceful rallies. This anti-Lingayat government has brutally attacked us. The authorities, including senior officials like the ADGP, acted with malice and prejudice,” he alleged.

In response to the incident, Swamiji announced that Panchamasali community members would stage road blockades on December 12 in villages, taluks, and district centers across the state. Further protests will continue from December 16 near Kondasakoppa village, in front of Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. The community has demanded the suspension of the ADGP and other officers involved. Additionally, Swamiji urged Lingayat ministers and MLAs across party lines to pass a condemnation resolution in the Assembly.

CM Did Not Call Us for Talks, Do Not Lie: Swamiji

Swamiji refuted claims that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah invited the Panchamasali leaders for discussions. He clarified that three ministers had visited the protest venue to merely gather opinions and not to offer solutions.

“If 10 representatives had been allowed to meet the Chief Minister, the protestors would have been satisfied. That is why we decided to approach the Chief Minister ourselves. However, he did not call us for talks. The CM must not lie. If he had at least made one phone call or sent someone to invite us, we would have gone. Instead, the Chief Minister is spreading falsehoods to divert public dissatisfaction against the Congress government,” Swamiji alleged.

The protests are set to intensify in the coming days as the Panchamasali community continues its demand for justice and accountability.