Karnataka: R. Ashoka Calls Caste Census Report Flawed
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Synopsis
On April 18, R. Ashoka, the Leader of Opposition in Karnataka, dismissed the caste census report as unscientific and politically motivated. He questioned its methodology and raised concerns over its implications for the future of various communities. Ashoka urged Congress MLAs to take a firm position against the report.
Key Takeaways
- R. Ashoka criticizes the caste census report.
- Questions over the methodology used in the survey.
- Concerns about its impact on future generations and reservations.
- Accusations of political manipulation by Siddaramaiah.
- Calls for a unified response from all communities.
Bengaluru, April 18 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashoka, stated on Friday that the caste census report should not be accepted, describing it as being created by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s group in a dubious manner.
Addressing reporters in Bengaluru, he mentioned that the former Chairman of the Backward Classes Commission, H. Kantharaju, did not endorse the report and has since fled.
The Kantharaju Commission was responsible for conducting the caste census survey in the state.
“Upon review by the Backward Classes Commission President, Jayaprakash Hegde, it was discovered that the report was merely a reproduction, lacking originality. Hegde has communicated this to the government in a letter,” he stated.
Ashoka stressed that the report produced by Siddaramaiah’s group should not gain acceptance.
He raised concerns, asking, “If one crore children were born in the last decade, what categories will they fit into? What does the future hold for the younger generation? What standards are being used for reservations?”
He criticized the Cabinet meeting presided over by CM Siddaramaiah as unproductive, noting that ministers were instructed to submit their opinions in writing. “Siddaramaiah, a shrewd strategist, intends to undermine Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar and ministers from the Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities during elections, should they express dissent regarding the caste census. The CM aims to leverage their submissions against them in the elections,” Ashoka asserted.
He accused the cabinet ministers of being demeaned by becoming ensnared in the caste controversy.
Ashoka alleged that Siddaramaiah was meant to resign in November, suggesting that the report is being utilized for political gain.
He pointed out that during the coalition government of JD (S) and Congress, Siddaramaiah remained silent and could have released the caste census report then.
Ashoka remarked that the survey team did not visit the revered Siddaganga Mutt, and MLAs from Davangere have echoed this sentiment.
He characterized the methodology of the caste census as unscientific, alleging that school children were involved in the survey and that data was compiled from a single location.
He questioned the whereabouts of the Rs 165 crore spent on the survey and demanded the immediate removal of Muslims, classified as the majority in the report, from the minority list.
He forecasted that all communities would rise in protest against the caste census report, as confidence in it has diminished.
Ashoka urged Congress MLAs to take a definitive stance, noting that some have already dismissed the report. He accused Siddaramaiah of clinging to the report amid a crisis.
He claimed the government is indecisive, adopting a “come tomorrow” approach towards the report, and alleged that CM Siddaramaiah released it to safeguard his position, thereby fracturing caste unity.
He also mentioned that intense discussions occurred within the cabinet.
