Mysore/Mysuru: Former Mayor Narayan has given a call for unity among the various sub-castes within the Scheduled Caste (SC) community, urging them to stand together against divisive forces. He warned that internal divisions among the sub-castes could ultimately lead to their demise.

Speaking at a State-level seminar titled “The Imperative of Unity among Left and Right Sub-castes to Combat Communalism and Safeguard the Constitution,” organised by Charvaka at the Mini Theatre in Kalamandira on Thursday, Narayan emphasised the urgent need for solidarity.

He said, “The Constitution is currently facing threats from conspiratorial forces seeking to alter its foundations. Any such alteration would deprive the people of the benefits of reservation and government support, essentially reinstating systems of oppression. Therefore, all sub-castes must set aside their differences and unite in defence of the Constitution. This can only be achieved by driving away communal forces.”

He also addressed concerns regarding reservation policies, noting that the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) have been granted reservations in violation of Constitutional provisions. Additionally, he highlighted the allocation of 10 percent reservation to the upper class, constituting three percent of the population, questioning the rationale behind this decision.

Narayan urged Dalits to discern the motives behind such policies, underlining the importance of understanding the implications of reservation extensions.

Dr. Krishnamurthy Chamaram questioned whether individuals from both the left and right sub-castes should only protest when there’s a direct threat to the Constitution. He underscored that the Constitution is the foundation for the lives of all individuals in the country and provides essential humanitarian rights regardless of religion or caste. Therefore, any threat to the Constitution should prompt a collective outcry from all sections of society,  he added.

Social activist AHINDA Jawarappa, who chaired the seminar, highlighted the lack of coordination among activists, politicians and officials as a key factor contributing to internal divisions among oppressed classes.

He stressed the urgent need for unity, warning of the impending threat if differences are                   not reconciled.

R.S. Doddanna, Shivaprasad M.C. Hundi and the head of Charvaka Girish Machalli were present.