Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, Arvind Bellad, on Sunday said the state government has failed to comply with the High Court’s directive to probe the lathi-charge on Panchamasali protesters in Belagavi, an act that he claims amounts to contempt of court.
Speaking to reporters, Bellad stated that the High Court had instructed the government to submit a report within three months regarding the police action during the protest. However, the July 4 deadline passed without any report being filed or a committee being constituted. “This is a clear case of contempt. Community lawyers will approach the High Court against the government,” he added.
The protest, led by Seer Jayamrutyunjaya Swamiji, was staged in front of Suvarna Soudha during the 2024 winter session, demanding 2A reservation for the Panchamasali community. Bellad criticized the Congress government for using police force against the demonstrators. He also pointed out that while the previous BJP government had announced increased reservations under 2C and 2D categories, the current administration has failed to implement it and should at least grant 2A status to the community.
Commenting on CM Siddaramaiah’s recent appointment as head of the AICC OBC Advisory Council, Bellad described it as a “demotion by promotion.” He claimed that the Congress high command, after observing internal developments, assigned Siddaramaiah a national role.
Responding to MLA Basavaraj Rayaraddi’s remark on choosing between guarantees and development, Bellad said Rayaraddi, being the CM’s economic advisor, has acknowledged the lack of progress under the Congress government. “If the looting stops, the same funds can be diverted for development,” he remarked.
