Should Karnataka BJP Hold an All-Party Meeting for Caste Census Resurvey?

Bengaluru, June 11 (NationPress) Intensifying its criticism of the Congress-led Karnataka administration, the BJP on Wednesday called for a public forum and an all-party discussion regarding the proposed resurvey of the caste census initiated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Opposition Leader R. Ashoka stated, “If CM Siddaramaiah is genuinely dedicated and sincere, he must first facilitate a public consultation on the methodology of the resurvey. An all-party meeting should be held to gather everyone's perspectives, and preparations should only commence after the academic year concludes. The survey should involve educators only after this to prevent any disruption to education.”

Ashoka accused Siddaramaiah of manipulating the caste census issue as a political strategy whenever his position is at risk. “This spectacle has persisted for a decade. Whenever your authority is threatened, you resort to the caste card. Why do you demean Scheduled Communities and Backward Classes in this manner?” he questioned.

He claimed that the Chief Minister's initiative is merely a diversion. “Your attempt to distract the public with the caste census is no longer concealed. Cease this performance,” Ashoka asserted.

He highlighted that the central government has already pledged to incorporate caste enumeration in the forthcoming national census. “So why squander the hard-earned tax contributions of Kannadigas on another survey?” he inquired.

Referring to the previous caste survey conducted under the H. Kantharaju Commission, Ashoka remarked that the report faced substantial opposition from religious leaders, community representatives, the public, and even Congress ministers and MLAs.

“Despite the backlash, you obstinately advanced it to the Cabinet. But when the High Command reprimanded you, you submissively agreed to a re-survey. So, who are you accountable to - the citizens of Karnataka or the Congress High Command?” Ashoka questioned.

Ashoka further expressed skepticism about the feasibility of completing the resurvey within 90 days as proposed. “Schools have already resumed. If teachers are burdened with this enormous task now, children's education will be gravely disrupted. Who else will the government assign for the survey?” he asked.

Ashoka also criticized the notion of an online survey. “Even many literate individuals struggle with online systems. How can you guarantee accurate data and prevent erroneous entries?”

He demanded accountability for the Rs 167 crore already expended on the previous survey. “That report is now obsolete. Who will take responsibility for this wasteful spending?” he asked.

Ashoka also alleged that the renewed push for the caste census aims to distract the public from the recent IPL celebration tragedy in Bengaluru. “Is this yet another elaborate performance to mask your failures?” he stated.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar, after discussions with AICC leaders in New Delhi on Tuesday, announced that the government intends to update the caste census report through a transparent, house-to-house and online process.

“To clarify the confusion and discord surrounding the caste survey and its statistics, we have decided to provide everyone with another opportunity to submit their details. The date of the survey will be revealed by the Chief Minister following Cabinet discussions,” Shivakumar stated.