SHIMOGA: The former Deputy Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah said here on Sunday that it was only through determined and sustained struggle that Dalits and backward classes could gain social justice. "Do not expect someone else to bring it to you," he told them.

Inaugurating a seminar on internal reservation organised by Bahumata Sanghatane to mark the 91st birth anniversary of former Chief Minister D. Devaraj Urs, Mr. Siddaramaiah said political power appeared to be a pre-requisite for bringing in social changes.

He said if Urs succeeded in introducing programmes for ensuring social justice to the neglected sections, it was because of the political power that he enjoyed coupled with the firm commitment for their welfare.

He said it was not correct to say that social changes for Dalits and backward classes were thought of by only Urs, but they were enshrined in the Constitution through the first amendment to introduce them through the Article 15 (4).

Mr. Siddharamaih said it was fallacious to claim that the caste system had been eradicated totally. It was in existence if not in a more pronounced manner, he said.

President of the Karnataka Backward Classes Federation R. Srinivasan said that instead of pressing for internal reservation, there should be a demand for reclassification of the reservation policy based on the economic, social and educational quotient.

He said any decision on reclassification should be taken after threadbare discussions at all levels. He asked the backward classes to be aware about the attempts being made to divide them to weaken their organisational strength. He called for concerted efforts for the empowerment of the neglected sections.

MLC and president of the District Congress Committee Mir Azeez Ahmed recalled the origin and growth of the socialist movement in Shimoga district.

Former Shimoga MP Ayanur Manjunath regretted that those who were party to the progressive programmes launched by Urs deserted him the moment he was dislodged from his position. He said that the programmes introduced by Urs should serve as the yardstick for the welfare of the Dalits and backward classes.

Founder-member of the Bahumata Sanghatane Venkatesh Mudaliyar, who was felicitated on the occasion, sought the cooperation from all sections to develop the organisation.

Convenor of the Bahumata Sanghatane H. Halappa outlined the growth of the organisation. Leader of the Kagodu Satyagraha H. Ganapathiappa presided over the function. S.P.Seshadri welcomed the gathering.

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