Is the K’taka Government Manipulating Minority Numbers through Caste Census?
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Synopsis
In a heated political climate, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje accuses the Karnataka government of fabricating minority numbers through a caste census initiative. This article explores the controversy surrounding the caste census, the alleged attempts to divert attention from tragic incidents, and the implications for the state's reservation policies.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka government faces allegations of manipulating census data.
- Shobha Karandlaje claims the resurvey is a distraction from a tragic incident.
- The caste census aims to ensure fair representation of communities.
- Government aims to complete the census within 70 to 90 days.
- Concerns about the genuine intentions behind the resurvey persist.
Mangaluru (Karnataka), June 12 (NationPress) - Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Shobha Karandlaje, has alleged that the Karnataka government is engaged in a conspiracy to artificially inflate minority numbers via the caste census to enhance their reservation quotas.
In a media briefing held in Mangaluru on Thursday, Shobha Karandlaje asserted that the state administration is attempting to distract from the tragic June 4 stampede incident at Chinnaswamy Stadium, which resulted in the death of 11 individuals, by introducing a new caste survey.
"Their intention appears to be to divert attention from the stampede incident. There is no genuine concern for the welfare of the communities and castes behind the decision for a re-survey. Their primary objective is to incite conflict among communities," claimed Shobha Karandlaje.
She further emphasized, "The earlier caste census was conducted without adequate door-to-door surveys. The government's true aim is to inflate minority numbers and allocate more reservations. This is the underlying motive of the state government."
On the other hand, Minister for Labour Santosh Lad defended the caste census initiative in Bengaluru, stating that the Congress leadership had mandated a re-enumeration concerning the caste census report. He noted that several communities have raised issues regarding their population counts in the current caste census report.
He added that there have been no objections to the caste census itself. "Therefore, a resurvey will be conducted and implemented subsequently. What’s the issue with conducting a resurvey?" asked Minister Lad.
When questioned if the state government was attempting to draw attention away from the stampede incident with the announcement of the caste census resurvey, Minister Lad replied, "The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government also announced a caste census following the Pahalgam terror attack. Our party’s election manifesto included a promise for caste census implementation, and we are committed to realizing it."
In the meantime, a special Cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is anticipated to deliberate on this matter and make an announcement. The state government aims to complete the resurvey within a timeframe of 70 to 90 days.
Point of View
It is crucial to maintain an unbiased perspective on the unfolding situation in Karnataka. The allegations made by Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje highlight significant concerns regarding transparency and the genuine intentions behind the caste census. While the need for accurate demographic data is essential, the timing and motives behind the resurvey raise questions that demand thorough examination.
NationPress
13/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the caste census being conducted?
The caste census aims to gather accurate demographic data on various communities to ensure fair representation and resource allocation.
What are the allegations against the Karnataka government?
Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje has accused the government of conspiring to inflate minority numbers for increased reservations, diverting attention from pressing issues.
How will the caste census affect reservations?
An inflated minority count could lead to a higher allocation of reservations for certain communities, impacting the overall reservation system.
What is the timeline for the caste census resurvey?
The Karnataka government aims to complete the resurvey within 70 to 90 days.
Is there any opposition to the caste census?
While there are concerns regarding the methodology and timing, no significant opposition to the caste census itself has been noted.
