Is the Karnataka Government Trying to Divide Hindus and Undermine Reservation?
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Synopsis
In a bold accusation, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje claims that the Karnataka government under Siddaramaiah is scheming to divide Hindus and strip away reservation benefits through a controversial caste census. Will this strategy succeed in fragmenting the Hindu community?
Key Takeaways
- Shobha Karandlaje accuses the Karnataka government of dividing Hindus.
- Concerns raised about the impact of caste census on reservations.
- Survey scheduled between September 22 and October 7, 2025.
- 1.75 lakh teachers will be deployed for the survey.
- The report is expected by December.
Bidar (Karnataka), Sep 19 (NationPress) Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje on Friday accused the Karnataka government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, of attempting to divide Hindus into various factions and undermine the reservation benefits for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes through a caste census.
Addressing reporters in Bidar, Shobha stated, “Whenever Siddaramaiah encounters setbacks, he resorts to tactics of caste division. In 2013, he tried to split the Veerashaiva and Lingayat communities even at the grassroots level. Now, he is attempting to fracture all castes in Karnataka under the guise of a caste census.
“He has fabricated numerous new sub-castes, additionally seeking to divide Veerashaivas and Lingayats. Furthermore, he has introduced sub-castes like Vokkaliga-Christian, Lingayat-Christian, Ganiga-Christian, and Nekara-Christian. Why is this happening?”
She further remarked, “This is an evident conspiracy to strip away our reservations. If someone chooses to convert to Christianity, they are free to do so. However, those converting from SC, ST, or backward communities must identify as Christians. Converts will receive the benefits accorded to minorities.”
“Yet, by establishing categories such as Vokkaliga-Christian, Lingayat-Christian, Veerashaiva-Christian, and others, there is a plot to redirect reservation benefits meant for Scheduled Castes and Tribes to those who have converted to Christianity. This is a well-orchestrated scheme by the Siddaramaiah-led government,” Shobha asserted.
“The time has come for all Hindus to unite, putting aside caste and community distinctions. Otherwise, we will be fragmented into numerous groups, and our reservations will be forfeited. What the British did, the Siddaramaiah-led government is now replicating with the same colonial mindset,” she underscored.
The Karnataka government has declared that a comprehensive Socio-Economic and Educational Survey will be conducted from September 22 to October 7, 2025, during the Dussehra holidays.
“The Social and Educational Survey will be carried out by the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission from September 22 to October 7. Approximately 1.75 lakh teachers will be engaged for this endeavor, with an honorarium of up to Rs 20,000 for each. The total expenditure on teacher honorariums will be around Rs. 325 crore,” CM Siddaramaiah stated.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah indicated that the Backward Classes Commission is anticipated to submit the report of the Socio-Economic and Educational survey, commonly referred to as the caste census survey, by December.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach this matter with an objective lens. The allegations made by Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje reflect significant political tensions in Karnataka. While the claims of caste division and attempts to manipulate reservation benefits warrant scrutiny, it is also essential to consider the complexities of social dynamics and the historical context of caste politics in the region. This situation highlights the need for constructive dialogue to address the concerns of all communities involved.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main accusations made by Shobha Karandlaje?
Shobha Karandlaje accuses the Karnataka government of attempting to divide Hindus into various groups and of undermining reservation benefits for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes through a caste census.
What is the caste census survey?
The caste census survey is a comprehensive Socio-Economic and Educational Survey planned by the Karnataka government to understand the social and economic status of different castes in the state.
When will the caste census survey take place?
The caste census survey is scheduled to be conducted from September 22 to October 7, 2025, during the Dussehra holidays.
What is the significance of the caste census?
The caste census is significant as it aims to provide data on the socio-economic status of various communities, which can influence policy decisions regarding reservations and welfare programs.
How has the Karnataka government responded to these accusations?
The Karnataka government has stated that the Backward Classes Commission is expected to submit the report of the caste census survey by December.
