Athani (Karnataka), July 12 -- In a major political setback for the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in Karnataka, the powerful Panchamasali Lingayat community has announced that it will no longer demand reservation as long as Siddaramaiah remains the Chief Minister.
The statement was delivered by Panchamasali seer Basava Jaya Mrutyunjaya Swamiji at a high-profile convention held in Athani, signaling a sharp turn in the community's long-standing agitation.
"We will not seek reservation from a Chief Minister who has humiliated our constitutional struggle," Swamiji declared. "Let Panchamasali MLAs repay their debt to the society."
The Swamiji and community leaders accused the Congress government of disrespecting their legitimate deman...