Karnataka Dy CM Shivakumar Pledges Fairness: Caste Census Report Response

Bengaluru, April 13 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated on Sunday that the Congress-led administration will prioritize justice for the Lingayat community.

"The caste census report has been delivered to me today. I will thoroughly analyze it and we will deliberate on the issue during the Cabinet meeting," Shivakumar remarked.

Addressing the concerns raised by the Veerashaiva Mahasabha and community leaders, he noted: "If they are taking measures to safeguard their communities, we will not oppose their efforts."

"In a democratic framework, it is the entitlement of every individual to defend their interests. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has asserted that the people's representatives will also have a chance to discuss the matter in the state Assembly," he continued.

When asked about the level of transparency needed, he challenged, "What more transparency is required?"

In response to inquiries about the Vokkaliga community's support for him in the Assembly and the opposition from community leaders regarding the caste census, Shivakumar acknowledged his awareness of the situation.

"As the state Congress President, it is my responsibility to ensure fairness for all," he affirmed.

When questioned about the Vokkaliga population estimates, which place them at just over 60 lakh, he stated that as the State Congress President, he is not familiar with these statistics.

"I have not reviewed the report yet. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has instructed us to examine it. The matter requires discussion in the Cabinet meeting. No one will rush to a decision regarding the caste census report," he assured.

"Some individuals are preoccupied with making political statements about the caste census report. The government will consider all viewpoints and strive to ensure justice for everyone," Shivakumar declared.

Meanwhile, former Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP MLA C. N. Ashwath Narayan stated on Sunday that the BJP does not oppose conducting a caste census.

However, he added that the caste census report presented to the state government lacks scientific rigor.

Shivakumar emphasized that things must be conducted properly.

"We cannot assert that a caste census cannot occur. A caste census was performed in 2011, and it was neither comprehensive nor conducted as per established standards. This issue is now being raised to distract from the Congress-led government's complete failures in the state," he mentioned.

In response to BJP criticism in Karnataka, State Social Welfare Minister H. C. Mahadevappa remarked, "What else can be anticipated from the BJP? When the Mandal Commission was established, they traversed the nation with a kamandal Yatra, inciting communal tensions. The BJP is not dedicated to social justice."

The caste census report was submitted to the state Cabinet on Friday, and a special Cabinet meeting is set for April 17 to deliberate on the report's recommendations.

However, no formal announcement has been made to the media regarding the report's contents.

Regardless, details discussed during the Cabinet meeting have emerged in the public domain.

The contentious caste census report provided by the Backward Classes Commission to the Congress-led government in Karnataka estimates the Muslim population in the state at 18.08 percent and recommends an 8 percent reservation for the community, sources confirmed on Sunday.

The findings of this report are anticipated to provoke significant debate and controversy in the state and could have a substantial impact on the political landscape.