Karnataka - Bangalore   

Deve Gowda accused of raking up caste factor

Staff Reporter

`Government cannot suo motu change percentage of reservation'

Kagodu Thimmappa

BANGALORE: The former Congress Minister Kagodu Thimmappa on Tuesday joined issue with Janata Dal (Secular) President H.D. Deve Gowda on the latter's proposal to restructure the reservation policy and said the Government cannot suo motu change the percentage of reservation for different castes. It can only be done with the consent of the State's permanent Backward Classes Commission.

Addressing presspersons here, Mr. Thimmappa criticised Mr. Deve Gowda for "raking up the caste factor to hurt the former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramiah." On the remarks of Tourism Minister D.T. Jayakumar that Kurubas and Idigas have garnered 90 per cent of posts meant for 101 most backward castes in category 2A of the scheme of reservation, Mr. Thimmappa said that it should be referred to the commission for an inquiry. He said that if it is true, the injustice to other backward castes such as Vishwakarmas and Kumbaras should be rectified.

He reminded Mr. Deve Gowda of the T. Venkataswamy Commission dropping Vokkaligas from the list of OBCs. Even the Mandal Commission had recommended reservation only for rural Vokkaligas. However, they were included in the list in toto. Mr. Jayakumar's remarks will only destabilise the coalition Government, he added.

Though Mr. Deve Gowda affirms that he will not destabilise the Government, he makes statements that are detrimental to the Dharam Singh Government.

He criticised Mr. Deve Gowda for writing to the Chief Minister to reduce the percentage of reservation in a cavalier manner.

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