Bengaluru, Sep 19 (NationPress) Amid the ongoing debate regarding the Socio-Economic and Academic Survey, commonly referred to as the caste census, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Friday that the survey is set to commence on September 22 and will not face any delays.

During a press briefing at Vidhana Soudha, CM Siddaramaiah addressed inquiries about dissent within the cabinet regarding the economic and social survey and rumors of a potential postponement of the caste census.

He elaborated that the Backward Classes Commission is a legally established body and cannot be subject to external directives. The Commission has been informed of various viewpoints regarding the survey, and it will ultimately make the final determination.

Siddaramaiah accused the BJP of politicizing the situation and labeling the Congress-led government as anti-Hindu. He instructed all ministers to collectively dismiss such accusations.

Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar emphasized, "We will resolve any confusion and proceed with the social and educational survey, ensuring social justice within the legal framework."

Speaking to the media in Ramanagara on Friday after attending the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister Devaraj Urs, he remarked on the criticism faced by the government regarding the caste census, stating, “The BJP and other parties are conspiring and disseminating misleading information. We are committed to delivering justice for all. Communities will be organized alphabetically in the caste list, and we will gather information from every household.”

Regarding suggestions made by former Legislative Council Chairman Sudarshan, Shivakumar noted, “He recommended that his views be communicated to the Backward Classes Commission. I encouraged him to present his suggestions to the Commission, which we will also relay to the Chief Minister for further discussion.”

Meanwhile, Minister for PWD Satish Jarkiholi, a close ally of CM Siddaramaiah, stated, "If an individual converts to another religion, that concludes their caste identity; it cannot be combined with their new religious affiliation."

He clarified that there is no existing confusion regarding the caste census, attributing previous misunderstandings to the inclusion of additional castes. Only castes listed in the Scheduled List should be recorded, he asserted.

For those converting to Christianity or any other faith, only that religion should be documented in the census, and caste cannot accompany Christianity. The caste census is set to start on September 22 and will not be delayed, he affirmed.

Minister for Backward Class Development Shivraj Tangadagi has consented to eliminate the extra castes. The Chief Minister has tasked approximately seven to eight ministers with reaching a final verdict on this issue, he added.

Sources revealed that due to opposition, CM Siddaramaiah has agreed to exclude additional castes and Hindu sub-castes categorized under Christianity. Ministers had raised objections to the Backward Classes Commission for including castes without prior consultation.

In related developments, Karnataka In-Charge and National General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala has conferred with CM Siddaramaiah and Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar regarding this matter.

Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje accused the Congress government under CM Siddaramaiah of attempting to fragment Hindus into various factions and undermining the reservation advantages for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes through the caste census.

Speaking to reporters in Bidar, Shobha claimed, “Whenever Siddaramaiah encounters difficulties, he resorts to strategies of caste division. In 2013, he endeavored to split the Veerashaiva and Lingayat communities, even at the local level. This time, he is attempting to divide all castes in Karnataka under the guise of the caste census. He has created numerous new sub-castes, alongside efforts to partition Veerashaivas and Lingayats. Furthermore, he has introduced sub-castes like Vokkaliga-Christian, Lingayat-Christian, Ganiga-Christian, and Nekara-Christian. What is the purpose of this?”

She further stated, “This is a blatant conspiracy to seize our reservations. If you choose to become a Christian, that is your choice; however, those converting from SC, ST, or backward communities should identify solely as Christians. Those who convert will receive the benefits allocated to minorities.”