Bengaluru:
In the name of caste and regional balance, the Congress party has been providing political representation to major communities like Lingayats, Vokkaligas, SCs, and STs by allocating two to three MLC and ministerial positions. However, despite coming to power, the party has completely sidelined the Nela-Jala Hunter (Fishermen) community—the fourth largest population in the state—by denying them MLC appointments and cabinet berths. This sharp criticism was voiced by Amareshanna Kamanakeri, State President of the Tribal Communities Conservation Committee.
Expressing deep anguish, Kamanakeri questioned the rationale behind the party’s selective approach. He pointed out that while the Congress claims to distribute MLA tickets and ministerial positions based on caste proportions, its regional justice mechanism seems confined strictly to Kalaburagi. He questioned why leaders from this community in the Bombay Karnataka and Old Mysuru regions—where the population is also significant—are being systematically sidelined despite the community’s substantial numbers.
Key Grievances and Demands
- Discriminatory Approach in MLC and Ministerial Berths: The party uplifts Lingayat, Vokkaligas, SC, and ST communities by offering multiple MLC and ministerial positions, yet completely overlooks the Nela-Jala Hunter community. Kamanakeri alleged that the community is routinely denied MLA tickets during elections and cabinet positions when the party forms the government.
- Representation Restricted Solely to Kalaburagi: While giving representation in Kalaburagi is justified due to population density, Kamanakeri questioned why the community is ignored in the Bombay Karnataka and Old Mysuru regions, where they also reside in large numbers.
- Neglect of ST Reservation Struggle: The community are traditionally land and water hunters. While recognized under SC, ST, and OBC lists nationwide, certificates are currently issued under the ST category only in Bidar, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, and Vijayapura districts. Despite long-standing struggles to include corresponding sub-castes across remaining districts in the ST list, the government has delayed granting constitutional rights, offering only false promises.
- Lack of Political Representation: Despite being a massive demographic block, the community currently has only one MLC in the state and zero representation in the cabinet. Dedicated leaders who have worked loyally for the Congress across Bombay Karnataka and Old Mysuru regions continue to be bypassed.
Recommended Leaders for MLC Nomination
To rectify this regional and social imbalance, the committee has strongly urged the immediate appointment of one of the following loyal and eligible leaders as an MLC, ensuring fair representation for the Bombay Karnataka and Old Mysuru regions:
- Sharanappa Sunagara – Former MLA, Vijayapura
- S. Gangadhar – President, Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC), Ramanagara District
- Manjunath Sunagara – State President, Congress Fishermen Wing
A Stern Warning to the Congress Party
Amareshanna Kamanakeri issued a grave warning to the ruling Congress party, stating that if it continues to consistently sideline the state’s fourth-largest community, it will face severe political consequences in the days to come.
