Is the K'taka Government Delving into Caste Within Religion?
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Synopsis
In a controversial statement, BJP's Anil Thomas claims that the Karnataka government is attempting to categorize castes within Christianity during the ongoing caste census. His allegations point to a divisive strategy, igniting a debate about the intersection of religion and caste in the state.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka government accused of defining castes within religions.
- Allegations of fabricating non-existent castes.
- Calls for a thorough ethnographic study on Christians.
- Concerns over divisions within the Christian community.
- Importance of evaluating caste categorization methods.
Bengaluru, Sep 6 (NationPress) The Karnataka government is reportedly trying to identify castes within religions, with accusations from Anil Thomas, the State President of the BJP Minority Morcha, that they are even fabricating castes that don’t exist. This claim was made during a press conference held at the BJP state office, Jagannath Bhavan in Bengaluru.
He asserted that reports from the administration led by Kantharaju (2014–15) and Hegde were discarded by the former Siddaramaiah government. “That administration implemented a divisive policy by listing 44 sub-castes within the Christian community, a number that has now escalated to 52,” he pointed out.
“Christianity does not have castes. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s government included leaders such as K.J. George, Ivan D’Souza, J.R. Lobo, and Prof. Jaffed. Have they lost their senses? Don’t they realize that the caste system is non-existent in Christianity?” he questioned.
He further alleged, “By categorizing Christians as Kuruba Christians, Brahmin Christians, Vokkaliga Christians, Idiga Christians, and others, the Congress government is imposing caste divisions within Christianity, violating the Constitution to foster discord. Such a government deserves to be condemned.”
According to the 2011 Census, the Christian population in Karnataka was approximately 11.44 lakh.
This community includes various denominations such as Roman Catholics, Syrian Christians, Orthodox Church, Church of South India, Church of North India, and numerous smaller Pentecostal churches.
“However, when you ask ordinary individuals, they simply identify as Catholic or Protestant. These are denominations, not castes. The government should be urged to conduct an ethnographic study,” Thomas insisted.
He called for a thorough ethnographic examination of Christians in the state, akin to the benefits Muslims received from the Sachar Committee report.
Former Chairman of the Christian Development Board Shantakumar Kennedy, along with Morcha office bearers Dr. Thomas, S.N. Raju, Shyam, Sylvester Stalin, and others were present during the press conference.
Point of View
This issue highlights the ongoing complexities and sensitivities surrounding caste and religion in India. While the government's intentions may be to address socio-economic disparities, the implementation and categorization methods must be carefully evaluated to avoid exacerbating divisions within communities.
NationPress
06/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main accusation made by Anil Thomas?
Anil Thomas accuses the Karnataka government of trying to create and identify non-existent castes within the Christian community during the caste census.
How many sub-castes were reported under the Christian community?
Initially, there were 44 sub-castes reported, which have now increased to 52 according to Anil Thomas.
What does Anil Thomas suggest should be done instead?
He advocates for a comprehensive ethnographic study of Christians in Karnataka, similar to the benefits that the Sachar Committee report provided to Muslims.
What is the estimated Christian population in Karnataka?
According to the 2011 Census, the Christian population in Karnataka is approximately 11.44 lakh.
What are the main denominations within Christianity in Karnataka?
The main denominations include Roman Catholics, Syrian Christians, Orthodox Church, Church of South India, Church of North India, among others.
