Synopsis
Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar held a meeting with Vokkaliga MLAs regarding the caste census report, challenging media claims about the Muslim population. He emphasized the need for accurate information and addressed concerns about the survey's validity while ensuring representation for all communities.Key Takeaways
- D. K. Shivakumar held a meeting with Vokkaliga community leaders.
- He denied media claims about the Muslim population's size.
- The 11th Backward Classes Commission report has been discussed in cabinet meetings.
- MLAs will receive detailed information on the census.
- The Karnataka Vokkaliga Association plans to oppose the report.
Bengaluru, April 15 (NationPress) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar convened a meeting on Tuesday night at his official residence in Kumara Park to discuss the caste census report, alongside ministers, MLAs, Rajya Sabha members, and leaders from the Vokkaliga community.
After the meeting, Shivakumar addressed the media, asserting that reports which claim Muslims constitute the largest demographic in the caste census are misleading.
“This information is inaccurate, and I refuse to respond to questions on this matter. Certain media outlets have disseminated wrong information. I won't specify them, but they have published everything except the truth. They allege that Muslims are a significant population. We must ensure the public receives correct information,” he stated.
When queried about the estimated population of the Vokkaliga community, Shivakumar remarked: “My focus is not on any single community. As the president of the Congress party, my ministers and I are committed to safeguarding all communities, and we will fulfill that responsibility. We are not inclined to highlight any discrepancies in the caste census. A thorough survey has been conducted involving lakhs of individuals. A few media outlets are sowing confusion, and we will address this appropriately.”
Shivakumar mentioned that the report from the 11th Backward Classes Commission has already been submitted in a cabinet meeting and disseminated among all ministers.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has organized a meeting on April 17 to deliberate on the matter. “In this context, various media outlets are releasing differing reports, and leaders are providing their interpretations,” Shivakumar remarked.
“It is our responsibility to furnish the public with accurate information. I have endeavored to convey the essence of the caste census report to some degree. Along with Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Agriculture Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy, and Higher Education Minister M. C. Sudhakar, as well as former Backwards Classes Commission Chairman Jayaprakash Hegde, we have shared our perspectives on the caste census report,” Shivakumar shared.
He added that the Congress government initiated the socio-economic survey, noting that significant funds were invested and lakhs of individuals participated in data collection.
“Now that the report is finalized, MLAs have requested detailed information. Thus, the copy we have received will be accessible to them. MLAs have voiced their opinions. In the upcoming special cabinet meeting, we will communicate the findings and facts. We have collectively determined what to relay regarding this matter,” Shivakumar stated.
He noted that all MLAs have empowered five of us to express their views.
When asked about dissent from several ministers previously concerning the census report, he clarified that they lacked access to the information at that time.
“The information was only shared three days ago. We obtained the details right after it was presented in the meeting,” he explained.
The contentious caste census report submitted by the Backwards Classes Commission to the Congress-led government in Karnataka has estimated the Muslim population in the state at 18.08 percent and recommends an 8 percent reservation for the community, sources revealed.
In a significant development, the Karnataka Vokkaliga Association has declared its intention to oppose the caste census report, alongside the Lingayat and other dissatisfied communities.
