Society gear up for state-level convention, push for ST inclusion

NT Correspondent

Kalaburagi: In a noteworthy development, the Koli Samaj, a prominent community, is preparing to host a state-level public awareness conference on February 25th in Kalaburagi.

Tippanappa Kamakanur, the State Honorary President of Koli Samaj and Member of the Legislative Council, revealed this initiative during a press conference at the Press Club in Bengaluru.

The main objective of the conference is to mobilise political and social organisations within the Koli Samaj.

Kamakanur underscored the community's longstanding demand for the inclusion of the Koli and Kabbaliga communities in the Scheduled Tribe category, emphasising that their struggle has persisted for three decades.

However, the central government's response incorporating only five alternative words instead of the requested 38, leading to discussions with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Social Welfare Minister Shivraj Thangadagi.

The CM has assured the submission of an amendment proposal to the Center, addressing the community's concerns. 

To inaugurate the Kalaburagi conference, AICC President Mallikarjuna Kharge will be in attendance, alongside Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Ministers Priyank Kharge, Sharanbasappa Darshanapur, Dr. Sharanprakash Patil, NS Bhosaraju, Shivraj Thangadagi, and other dignitaries.

Kamakanur cautioned about a potential boycott of the BJP in upcoming elections if the community's demands are not met.

Preliminary meetings across all district centres are being conducted ahead of the convention to effectively organise the society.

The community is advocating for the installation of an Ambigar Choudaiya statue in front of Vidhana Soudha, an allocation of Rs 200 crore in the budget for community development, and RS 500 crore for the corporation.

Kamakanur stressed the need for a 90 per cent reservation in the fishing industry for the Koli society.

The conference is anticipated to provide a platform for the community to voice its concerns, explore potential solutions, and garner support from political eaders and representatives.