Billavas upset over no representation in state cabinet

Mangaluru: Billava leaders in the coastal districts are upset with the government led by chief minister Siddaramaiah, for not including MLAs from the community in the cabinet. Sri Narayana Guru Vichara Vedike president Satyajith Surathkal told reporters here on Tuesday, that the Siddaramaiah government should ensure ministerial berths to at least two out of five Billava legislators of the Congress.
He said, “A total 26 communities, including Billavas, Edigas and Namadhari, that follow the ideals of Sri Narayana Guru, are in fourth place in terms of the state’s population. However, the community was ignored when the cabinet formation was held recently.”
He demanded that the government should immediately make Sri Narayana Guru Development Corporation functional, by sanctioning Rs 500 crore to it. “Billava communities that come under the 2A category should not be deprived of the existing reservation at any cost, especially when other communities demand for more quota,” he said.
“The Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) should be named after Koti-Chennaya, the revered twin heroes of Tulunadu. Shivamogga airport should be dedicated to former chief minister S Bangarappa, who was the forerunner in ushering in development for the poor and backward classes,” Satyajith said.
“The government should hold discussions with senior leaders of the Billava community soon, to decide about the demands. The government should ensure justice for the community. We will also meet chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar to discuss our demands,” he added.