Bengaluru: The Panchamasali Lingayat community has urged Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to expedite the resolution of a pending Supreme Court case related to Muslim reservation before considering their demand for reclassification under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota. The appeal was made on October 14 by community leaders seeking inclusion in Category 2A, which offers a higher share of reservation benefits.
The Panchamasalis are currently placed in Category 3B, which provides 5 percent reservation. They are demanding to be moved to Category 2A, where the quota stands at 15 percent. However, the community’s representatives said their demand hinges on the outcome of the Supreme Court case examining the legality and structure of Muslim reservation in the state.
Community leaders have emphasized that clarity on Muslim reservation is essential before the government revises the existing OBC framework. They have asked the state to pursue an early hearing in the court to prevent delays that affect multiple groups awaiting reclassification.
The Panchamasalis form a major sub-sect within the Lingayat community, which holds considerable social and political influence in Karnataka. Their renewed push highlights the complex intersection between legal proceedings and reservation politics, as multiple communities seek greater representation in education and employment quotas.
