BAGALKOTE/BENGALURU: The Panchamsali community has escalated its fight for recognition under the More Backward Class (MBC) 2A category with the launch of the Pratigya Kranti (Oath Revolution) campaign on Tuesday. Led by the Kudala Sangama Panchamsali Peeta, the movement aims to mobilize support across 12,000 villages where the community resides.
Pontiff Jayamrutyunjaya Swami spearheaded the campaign by administering oaths to over a hundred followers, pledging to intensify efforts despite criticism from other backward community leaders, who argue that protests alone cannot secure MBC status.
The campaign gained traction after a violent police crackdown on Panchamsali protesters in Belagavi last December. In response, the swami called on community leaders, including Deeksha Gowda and Malegowdas, to reignite the struggle. The movement now aims to build grassroots support by engaging directly with villagers and urging them to join the cause.
Former Backward Classes Commission chairman CS Dwarakanath, however, argued that the Panchamsalis, being agriculturists, do not legally or constitutionally qualify for inclusion in the 2A category, which is reserved for artisanal communities.
Adding to the momentum, a planned meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah—initially scheduled for December—has been postponed to later this month. Congress leaders BR Patil and Vijayanand Kashappanavar confirmed the delay but reaffirmed their commitment to the dialogue.
The next significant step in the campaign will be a meeting of Panchamsali leaders on February 12 at Kudalasangama, where further strategies will be discussed.