Vijayapura, Nov 16(UNI) Senior Congress leader and the former Minister M B Patil have appealed the Karnataka Chief Minister, B S Yediyurappa, to ensure a 16 per cent reservation in availing benefits on Appointments and education sector.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, the Congress leader had stated that the Lingayaths, who constitute about 16 to 18 per cent population in Karnataka, were deprived of several benefits under the prevailing reservation system.
The Congress leader had also brought to the notice of the Chief Minister about the quantum of Reservation being provided to the Lingayaths in the neighboring Maharashtra state.
Referring to a demand to constitute a Lingayaths Development Board, he said that "It will not fetch any benefit to the community".
"The idea to establish a Board is nothing but an eye-wash and will not help in any way to the Lingayaths", the Congress leader who was in the forefront in demanding a separate Religion status to the Lingayaths in the state.
"The best possible way to ensure an overall development of the people of the Lingayaths is to ensure a minimum16 to 18 per cent Reservation" Patil said.
UNI MV JW1737