Karnataka BJP Raises Doubts on Caste Census: Muslim Population Growth Questioned
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Karnataka BJP has raised doubts about the findings of the caste census report, questioning the accuracy of the reported growth of the Muslim population and accusing the government of political manipulation.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka BJP questions the accuracy of the caste census.
- Allegations of political manipulation by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
- Concerns over the methodology used in the census.
- Accusations of appeasement politics and community division.
- Proposed reservations for Vokkaligas deemed illegal by BJP.
Bengaluru, April 13 (NationPress) The BJP in Karnataka has raised concerns regarding the findings of the caste census report, expressing skepticism over the reported growth of the Muslim population.
During a press briefing in Bengaluru, BJP leader R. Ashoka stated, "Chief Minister Siddaramaiah summoned former Chairman of the Backward Classes Commission, H. Kantharaju, to his home, dictated the caste census report, and ensured its completion. This has become a widely known fact."
He challenged the census methodology, questioning how a census could be accurate without door-to-door household visits, stating, "How can a census be accurate without visiting lakhs of households?"
Accusing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of engaging in appeasement politics, Ashoka remarked, "The caste census report emphasizes only the Muslim community. What message is being sent? This report aims to create divisions among castes and religions. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has betrayed the Lingayat, Vokkaliga, and Dalit communities through this census report."
"We are not against a caste census. However, the public should recognize the state government's intentions. The Congress is continuing the British-era policy of divide-and-rule. The purpose of this report is to incite conflict between the Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities," he added.
"They claim over Rs 150 crore has been spent on this caste census. This is a fabrication. The funds have been misappropriated. Who has benefited from this? The report is perplexing and lacks authenticity," he stated.
He further accused Congress of using the caste census to distract the public from ongoing scandals, such as the honey trap case, a Rs 500 crore kickback in a mining renewal scandal, and corruption claims from contractors.
"Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is not a strategist; he is a conspirator. He caused a rift in the JD(S) party and was removed. It remains uncertain when he will be ousted from Congress," Ashoka remarked.
Regarding the report's suggestion for enhanced reservations for Vokkaligas, Ashoka commented, "This is legally untenable. The government is being entirely dishonest. They should issue an official order on this matter. States do not possess the authority to increase reservation quotas."
The contentious caste census report, submitted by the Backward Classes Commission to the Congress-led government in Karnataka, estimates the Muslim population in the state at 18.08 percent and proposes 8 percent reservation for this community, sources revealed on Sunday.
The caste census report was presented to the state cabinet on Friday (April 10), and a special cabinet meeting is scheduled for April 17 to discuss the report's recommendations.
Nonetheless, no formal announcement has been made to the media regarding the report's details. However, information shared in the cabinet meeting has leaked into the public domain.
