Belagavi, Dec 12 (Reporter) Tensions flared in Karnataka as BJP MLAs protested at the Dr BR Ambedkar statue on Suvarna Soudha premises on Thursday, condemning the police lathi charge on Lingayat Panchamasali community members who had gathered in Belagavi to demand inclusion under the 2A reservation category. The high-stakes demonstration, which has cast a spotlight on Karnataka's reservation politics, saw opposition leaders from BJP and JD(S) lambasting the Congress government for its "heavy-handed" approach. Karnataka BJP President Vijayendra Yediyurappa didn't mince words, accusing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of indifference. "When the peaceful protest was going on, CM Siddaramaiah did not bother to meet Panchamasali Swami. Instead, the police were given full control to use lathi charge on the peaceful protesters," he told reporters. The December 10 protest, led by Kudalasangama Panchamasali Peetha seer Basava Jaya Mrutyunjaya Swamy, saw thousands of Lingayat Panchamasali demonstrators gather near the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, urging the government to upgrade their reservation status from the current 3B category (5%) to the more lucrative 2A category (15%). The situation spiralled out of control when demonstrators attempted to storm the legislative premises. Police responded with a lathi charge to disperse the protestors, leading to injuries and widespread condemnation. A suo motu FIR was later filed against several protesters by the Hirebagewadi police. With the state legislative session now underway, BJP and JD(S) leaders have escalated the issue, demanding accountability from the Congress government...////...