Bengaluru, Sep 16 (NationPress) In response to the BJP's allegations that categorizing castes within the Christian community in the caste census could promote religious conversion, the Chairman of the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, Madhusudhan R. Naik, defended the initiative. He emphasized that it would not adversely affect any other community, as converted individuals will solely be recognized as Christians, and no reservations will be granted based on this categorization.

During a press briefing in Bengaluru on Tuesday, Madhusudhan Naik remarked, "Individuals who have converted to Christianity wish to maintain their original heritage. They seek to preserve their roots for various reasons. Excluding them from the Socio-Economic and Educational Survey, often referred to as the caste survey, is not feasible."

He further stated, "Continuing with the established practices, there is no detriment in categorizing sub-castes within Christianity. Upon completion of the survey, their social and educational conditions will be evaluated. This is strictly for documentation purposes with no ulterior motives. The converted individuals will be regarded as Christians exclusively, and no reservations will be extended based on this classification," added Madhusudhan Naik.

He noted that the previous Kantaraju Commission report also recognized Christian sub-castes. "We cannot disregard this fact, and opportunities ought to be afforded to them. For instance, there are Brahmin Christians — will this offend some? The categorization will not influence reservations in any way," he asserted.

In the meantime, the BJP and various Hindu organizations have vehemently opposed the classification of 47 sub-castes, including Vokkaliga Christian, Lingayat Christian, and Kuruba Christian, within the caste census framework. Leaders are convening a roundtable in Bengaluru on Tuesday at a private venue to strategize their next steps.

The BJP and allied groups plan to conduct large-scale meetings across at least 10 districts in the state to advocate for the removal of Hindu sub-caste categorization within the Christian community. Religious leaders are also joining this campaign.

Earlier, in response to BJP's accusations of promoting religious conversion via the categorization of castes among Christians in the caste census, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated, "If equality and equal opportunities existed in Hindu society, why would religious conversions occur?"

CM Siddaramaiah clarified that only the current caste of individuals who have converted would be acknowledged.

He questioned, "If there is equality and opportunity in Hindu society, why do religious conversions take place? How did untouchability arise? Have we created untouchability?"

It is noteworthy that the Karnataka government faced scrutiny from the BJP regarding the categorization of castes within Christianity, with the state BJP demanding immediate clarification on the existence of multiple castes in the Christian community.

The Opposition party’s chief whip in the Legislative Council and BJP MLC N. Ravikumar questioned the legitimacy of castes such as Kuruba Christian, Lingayat Christian, Maratha Christian, Balija Christian, Madar Christian, Okkalig Christian, Banjara Christian, and Bovi Christian, asserting that 47 new castes have been introduced this time.

"Are there multiple castes in the Christian community? The government must provide a prompt clarification on this matter," demanded Ravikumar.

With sarcasm, Ravikumar added that perhaps even the Christians themselves are unaware of these 47 new castes.

The Karnataka government has announced a comprehensive Socio-Economic and Educational survey scheduled from September 22 to October 7 during the Dusshera holidays. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah appealed to all citizens of Karnataka to actively participate in this extensive survey, set to occur from September 22 to October 7, 2025.