Basavaraj Bommai urges Karnataka government to implement internal reservation immediately
Former CM Basavaraj Bommai demands immediate implementation of internal reservation in Karnataka to ensure social justice for marginalised groups.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai has issued a strong call to the current state government to immediately roll out internal reservation. Speaking at a major convention in Chitradurga, Bommai warned that the fight for social equality would persist until the demands of disadvantaged communities are met through concrete government orders.
A 35-year struggle for social justice
Addressing the 'Madiga Munnade-II' convention and the Madiga Karyakartara Jilla Samavesha-2026, Bommai highlighted that the demand for internal reservation has been a long-standing issue, spanning over three and a half decades. He emphasized that true constitutional justice can only be achieved when communities receive representation that is directly proportionate to their population size.
"Everyone should be given their right in proportion to their population and constitutional justice should be delivered," Bommai stated, stressing the importance of equitable distribution of benefits.
Ensuring rights without deprivation
Clarifying the nature of the demand, the former Chief Minister noted that seeking internal reservation is not an attempt to seize the rights of other communities. Instead, it is about ensuring that the most marginalized groups within the Scheduled Castes receive their fair and rightful share of opportunities.
"If your life is to become prosperous, you must claim your right—which does not mean snatching someone else's right," he remarked, pointing to the economic hardships, poverty, and deprivation faced by these communities, including the specific struggles of working mothers.
Legal backing and past initiatives
Bommai pointed to legal precedents, noting that the Supreme Court has acknowledged the authority of state governments to provide internal reservation within the Scheduled Castes category. He also defended the policy framework established during his own tenure as Chief Minister, asserting that his administration sought to ensure fairness without discrimination.
He reminded the audience that during his government's term, the overall reservation for Scheduled Castes was increased from 15 per cent to 17 per cent. He criticized the current administration for delaying the implementation of internal reservation despite such progress.
A challenge to the current leadership
Directly addressing the government led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Bommai urged the leadership to move past political rhetoric and deliver tangible results. He specifically referenced the Chief Minister's claims regarding his political philosophy, challenging him to prove his commitment by issuing the necessary orders for internal reservation.
The former CM also touched upon the widening wealth gap, noting that while wealth remains concentrated in a few hands, large sections of the population continue to suffer from poverty and drought. He concluded with a stern warning that the agitation for these rights would not cease until the implementation is complete in Karnataka.
The event saw the presence of several prominent figures, including BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra, MP Govind Karjol, former Union Ministers A. Narayanaswamy and G.M. Siddeshwara, and Madara Channayya Swamiji.