Yediyurappa makes U-turn on Panchamasali reservation

Bengaluru, Feb 6 Hours after his controversial remarks on granting reservations to Panchamsali community, Karnataka Chief Minister, B.S. Yediyurappa made 'U' turn on the issue on Friday and referred the reservation matter to Karnataka Backward Class commission in a bid to contain the growing anger of Panchamasali community.

Yediyurappa released two statements, one in connection with his order directing the referal of the reservation to backward class commission, and second is to tendering unconditional apology to seers of Panchamasali sect who are leading the agitation.

A statement released by his office in this regard directed the Panchamasali subsect of Lingayat community has demanded that their community be included in 2A category from present 3B category. "The commission must take steps to study in-detail about this demand and submit its recommendation as soon as possible," his statement read.

While in another statement, Yediyurappa tenders unconditional apology to Jaya Mritunjya Swamiji who is leading the agitation. "I didn't mean to hurt your sentiments Swamiji. I have made honest and earnest attempts to get reservation for the Panchamasali community. My statement in the assembly has been misrepresented to you. I just said as a national party we can not decide in a hurry. We have won over everyone in this," he said.

It all started when Yediyurapap's harshest critic in the BJP, Basanagouda Patil Yatna sought the CM's assurance on granting reservation to Kurba and Panchamasali community.

To this, Yediyurappa had said that such matters cannot be decided in a hurry as the BJP is a national party. "I can not take decisions on my own... We need to consult Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on such matters," he said.