Accusing Social Affairs Minister HC Mahadevappa of “blocking” the implementation of internal reservation for Scheduled Castes, the Internal Reservation Committee said on Monday (March 9) that a rally would be held on March 12 “so that the government learns a lesson”.
While activists have threatened to launch an indefinite dharna if the Cabinet does not provide a solution on March 12, it is learned that informal discussions are underway among leaders, cabinet ministers and senior bureaucrats belonging to various sub-groups of Dalits on how sub-classification under the 15% reservation quota for SCs can be worked out.
Discussions are also underway on the possible adjustment of the quota for the 59 nomadic communities now associated with “touchable” communities. The source said the cabinet is likely to discuss the options on March 12.
Meanwhile, Internal Reservation Committee Secretary Basavaraj Kowthal told reporters here on March 9 that he would launch an indefinite dharna at Freedom Park if the Cabinet did not find a solution to the impasse.
Demanding immediate withdrawal of the Ministry of Personnel and Administrative Reforms notification on February 27, he said the state should take an all-party delegation to the Center to press for its inclusion in the Ninth Plan. Another senior leader, Marasandra Muniyappa, said that internal reservation should be considered even in pending contributions and nomadic communities should be given 1% reservation. The leaders also demanded the replacement of the Minister of Social Affairs.
Published – March 9, 2026 8:42 PM IST
