Bengaluru, April 11 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashoka, expressed on Friday that the caste census report formulated by the Siddaramaiah administration lacks scientific validity and appears to be crafted to create division among castes for ulterior motives.

While addressing journalists in Bengaluru, Ashoka remarked, “The individuals executing the caste census did not visit every household. This report was compiled under the directives of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

“Given its political intentions, no one will regard it as credible. I, too, advocate for a caste census to be conducted. However, this report was created to instigate discord among castes for someone’s advantage. This aligns perfectly with the interests of the Congress party,” Ashoka asserted.

On the topic of alleged commissions by contractors concerning pending bills, Ashoka stated, “Congress leaders need to convene and deliberate on this issue. They have outlined the extent of corruption occurring in various departments. Payments are made only to those who provide commissions. In the Excise Department, the minister’s son is engaged in corruption. Despite numerous allegations against ministers, CM Siddaramaiah continues to defend them.”

“The Congress should acknowledge that corruption forms part of their familial ties. Siddaramaiah is amassing commissions to evade resignation, while Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar is collecting commissions in hopes of becoming CM. Ministers are also accumulating commissions for the same aspirations. The offices of ministers in Vidhana Soudha have transformed into centers for collection. Moreover, they have levied taxes amounting to Rs 80,000 crore on the populace,” he alleged.

“The BJP fully backs the protests by JD(S). We will confer with Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy regarding whether to demonstrate jointly or separately. No one can tarnish the relationship between us,” he responded to a query.

Earlier, Ashoka spoke at the inauguration of the 'Bheem Hejje 100 Celebration' program near the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar statue at Vidhana Soudha, asserting that the Congress party has historically oppressed Dalits.

“When we discuss Dalits, we label them as the oppressed. However, if one asks who has oppressed them, the answer is the Congress. For decades, the Congress has been responsible for the subjugation of the downtrodden. Even after 75 years of independence, those within the Congress have failed to uplift the Dalits,” he emphasized.

He accused the Congress of exploiting the name of Baba Saheb Ambedkar. “After Narendra Modi ascended to the prime ministership, he transformed significant locations in Ambedkar’s life into pilgrimage sites dubbed Panchatirtha. Congress leaders profess to be pro-Dalit, yet they deceive the Dalits,” he alleged.

“The Waqf Board has pilfered properties belonging to countless Dalits. Upon visiting various locations to investigate land encroachments by the Waqf, I found that most complainants were Dalits. The fact that the Congress opposes the Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament reveals its lack of concern for Dalits. The Constitution must endure, yet the Congress’s empty promises must be discarded,” he concluded.