Valmiki community raise major agitation, sets two month deadline for giving 7.5 reservation to ST community

Addressing the agitators in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Dr G Parameshwara, who had arrived for consultation, Prasanandapuri Swamiji Swamiji said that “I have faith in the Government, Statewide agitation will be launched if it goes against the promise.

“Entire Legislators of the community will tender en mass resignation and will intensify the agitation through out the State,” he added before withdrawing the agitation held at Freedom Park.

Dr Parameshwara said that State government is willing to enhance the Reservation to 7.5 per cent for the community. But a final decision will have to be taken after discussion in the Cabinet meeting before gazette notification is issued as per law.

Earlier, the agitators, who were on Padayatra led by the Swamiji since last 17 days, from Valmiki Gurupeeta at Rajanahalli village in Davanagere, first garlanded Valmiki Statue in Legislators Bhavan before marching towards Freedom Park.

Vehicular movement came to grinding halt near Vidhana Soudha and Freedom Park during the agitation. Some agitators tried to lay seize to Vidhana Soudha, the State Secretariat, but Police succeeded in sending them to Freedom Park.

Police said that agitation passed off peacefully and no untoward incident reported.