Karnataka: Banjara community stages massive protest outside Yediyurappa's house

Prohibitory orders were issued at Shikaripura town in Shivamogga district of Karnataka on Monday after a massive demonstration was held outside the residence of Bharatiya Janata Party leader B.S. Yediyurappa by members of the Banjara community over the issue of reservation.

Police used batons to disperse hundreds of protesters who swarmed near Yediyurappa's house and started hurling stones, damaging window glasses. A few policemen were also injured.

The community is protesting against the internal reservation for the Scheduled Castes (SCs) announced by the state government last week.

The issue is likely to give the ruling BJP the jitters as assembly elections in the state are around the corner and the Election Commission is expected to announce the poll dates in a few days.

The Banjara community alleges that the government had given “less reservation” to the 'Scheduled Caste-Touchables' in which they belong to.

After hiking reservation for the Scheduled Castes from 15 per cent to 17 per cent, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai announced that 6 per cent reservation would be given to SC left sub-category, 5.5 per cent to SC right, 4.5 per cent to Touchables and one per cent to others.