Karnataka - Bellary   

Balijas urged to fight for their rights

S. Linganna, president of the District Balija Sangha, paying tribute to Yogi Nareyana in Bellary on Saturday.

BELLARY: Speakers at the district-level convention of the Balija community here on Saturday stressed the need to launch a united fight for their rights.

They were of the unanimous opinion that over 40 lakh Balijas in the State had been deprived of all benefits — political, social and educational — since they were moved from the Backward Class 2A category to 3A. N. Sampangi, MLA, expressed concern over people of the community remaining educationally backward and urged them to prevail upon the Government to include them in the Backward Class 2A category.

Challenges

R. Surendra Babu, community leader, who was among the chief guests, pointed out that the community was facing twin challenges of remaining politically and educationally backward.

“Efforts are on to persuade the Government to grant backward class tag under 2A. In addition, there is a need for the community to initiate steps to protect its properties in prime locations that were donated to the community by philanthropists.

Allegation

It is unfortunate that the central committee had failed to protect these properties. It has not drawn up plans for the welfare of the community people. All of us should join hands to replace the present set of office-bearers with those who are keen to serve society,” he said.

P.C. Mohan, MP, who inaugurated the convention, expressed the hope that the community would soon be granted the 2A tag. Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa had promised to do so. “The Chief Minister has also promised to initiate steps for including the community under 2A,” he said.

Mr. Mohan complimented S. Linganna, president of the district Balija Sangha for constructing a marriage hall. He also complimented Bhavani Prasad, mine owner, for coming forward to construct a hostel for the students of the community. Papireddy, former MLA for Raichur, urged the community leaders to strive for the development of the community and uplift of the economically weaker sections.

Shankar Naidu, theatre personality, called upon the community leaders to install a statue of Yogi Nareyana, community guru, in Bellary.

S. Linganna, District Balija Sangha president, presided over the convention. Niranjan Naidu, former MLC, Suresh Naidu were present.

Earlier, a procession of the portrait of Nareyana, community guru, was taken out here.

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