Congress MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa has expressed concerns about the alleged marginalization of the Lingayat community within government offices. This influential Lingayat leader and senior Congress figure has claimed that Lingayats are often overlooked when top officials are selected for government positions.
Shivashankarappa, who represents Davangere as an MLA and is also the longest-serving legislative member, emphasized, "Veerashaiva Lingayats have been sidelined in officers' posts. They claim to have appointed seven Lingayats as ministers, but there are 74 members in total."
He further pointed out that the Lingayat community constitutes a significant percentage of the population and could potentially form a government in collaboration with other groups. He expressed his willingness to engage in discussions with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on this matter, asserting that he had no reservations about doing so.
Shivashankarappa expressed dissatisfaction with the current situation, stating, "There is dissatisfaction in this matter. Our people (Lingayats) have suffered injustice. We must caution the government. Lingayat officers have not been given appropriate positions."
In response to Shivashankarappa's remarks, State Home Minister G Parameshwara indicated that the Chief Minister would take note of the concerns. Parameshwara clarified the government's stance, saying, "We will not post officers on the basis of caste in our government. We will select authorities based on their eligibility, sincerity, commitment to the people, and their ability to deliver results. While caste may play a role in recruitment through reservation, it will not determine government job postings."
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