Why is Karnataka BJP Encouraging Citizens to Identify as 'Hindu' in the Caste Census?

Bengaluru, Sep 19 (NationPress) The Karnataka administration has embarked on a perilous endeavor of segmenting individuals based on their faith, remarked State BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on Friday, labeling it a catastrophe.

He indicated that during the BJP's two-day workshop for party officials, it was agreed that individuals from all castes and communities should mark "Hindu" in the religion section during the caste census commencing in the state on September 22.

In a press briefing at Ramada Resort in Bengaluru, Vijayendra emphasized the necessity for citizens to identify their religion as Hindu for the welfare of the nation and the state.

"I urge the spiritual leaders of various mutts and community figures to support this initiative," he stated.

He noted that the BJP's training camp was very effective, asserting that decisions regarding caste and sub-caste should be left to respective communities, but for the good of the nation and state, individuals must write "Hindu" in the religion column.

He accused the Congress government in Karnataka of proceeding with a caste census, despite the lack of authority, and of fabricating 47 new castes.

He claimed that classifications like Christian Lingayat, Christian Vokkaliga, Christian Weaver, and Christian Scheduled Caste/Tribe were created to sow discord.

Vijayendra remarked that following the Congress government led by Siddaramaiah taking power in Karnataka, extensive discussions arose surrounding the Kantharaju's caste census report.

"The BJP had deemed it unscientific, but due to Rahul Gandhi's comments, the Siddaramaiah government dismissed the Kantharaju report entirely," he alleged.

He further criticized Siddaramaiah for previously attempting to instigate social discord by recognizing Veerashaiva-Lingayat as a distinct religion.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had expressed regret for attempting to divide communities based on religion in Ballary during the election campaign, Vijayendra mentioned.

He noted that two significant resolutions were passed at the BJP workshop.

"Under the leadership of our esteemed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the NDA government has made a momentous announcement by streamlining the GST. This reform has brought joy to citizens across the state and the nation. With India facing numerous global challenges, this GST reform is crucial. During the camp, we collectively commended Prime Minister Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for this accomplishment," he added.

"Two other important resolutions were also adopted: to expose the Congress government in the state for trying to fragment castes through the social survey (caste census), and to raise awareness among all communities to mark 'Hindu' in the religion column.

Vijayendra also stated that the two-day political strategy camp hosted by the BJP in Bengaluru concluded under the supervision of senior leader and BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santhosh.

"Thanks to the dedication of our party members during the membership campaign, Karnataka BJP has achieved the remarkable distinction of ranking fourth in the country. A collective determination was made to further strengthen the party structure so that upcoming local elections can be approached with substantial success," he added.

It has been resolved to advocate for the concerns of farmers affected by floods, he said.

The BJP has announced plans for a one-hour road blockade across all Assembly constituencies in protest against the inadequate road infrastructure throughout Karnataka, including Bengaluru, on September 24.

Former Deputy Chief Minister and BJP MP Govind Karjol stated: "The Siddaramaiah-led Congress government conducted a survey of the SC community for internal reservations two months ago. At that time, there was no mention of Christian-Madiga, Christian-Holeya, and others. However, now, the scheme to classify the SC community as Christians in the caste census is being devised to strip them of their reservations."

"I oppose this and demand that the enumeration of the SC community should not proceed for any reason," Karjol urged.

The event was attended by Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, Legislative Council Opposition Leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri, BJP state general secretary and MLA V. Sunil Kumar, state vice president and MLA Byrathi Basavaraj, MLA Aravind Bellad, former Minister and MLA Shashikala Jolle, and state Vice President and former MLA Raju Gowda Nayak.