Synopsis
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar will discuss the caste census with Congress MLAs from the Vokkaliga community on April 15. This meeting aims to address concerns regarding the caste census report and ensure fair representation for all communities.Key Takeaways
- Meeting scheduled for April 15 with Vokkaliga MLAs.
- Shivakumar emphasizes respect for all communities.
- Concerns raised about caste census report by Vokkaliga leaders.
- Report suggests 8% reservation for Muslims and 7% for Vokkaligas.
- Cabinet meeting to discuss report recommendations on April 17.
Bengaluru, April 14 (NationPress) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar announced on Monday that a meeting is scheduled for April 15 with Congress party MLAs from the Vokkaliga community to gather their insights on the caste census matter.
Shivakumar, who is also a member of the Vokkaliga community, stated, “I have yet to review the complete caste census report; it is currently under examination. Tomorrow, I will host a meeting with our party’s community MLAs. We will discuss and propose methods to ensure that everyone is acknowledged without offending anyone’s feelings,” he informed media representatives.
The meeting is set to begin at 6 pm at the official residence of Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar in Bengaluru.
In response to claims that the Congress government is infringing upon the rights of Scheduled Castes and Tribes by allocating tenders based on religion, Shivakumar asserted: “Reservations are in place for SCs and STs. Our focus is on integrating the economically disadvantaged into the mainstream. Congress is committed to delivering justice to all societal segments.”
When questioned about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s comment that Congress has revoked OBC reservations, he replied, “We have not annulled anyone’s reservation. A BJP MP from Bengaluru targeted a specific community with disparaging remarks, suggesting they are only suited for menial tasks and lack intelligence. However, we aim to demonstrate that this community possesses the capability for much greater achievements.”
Leaders and seers from the Vokkaliga community have voiced their concerns regarding the caste census report, stating they will not “accept” it.
Reports indicate that the caste census report submitted by the Backward Classes Commission to the Congress-led government in Karnataka estimates the Muslim population in the state to be 18.08 percent, recommending an 8 percent reservation for this community.
The report categorizes the Muslim population under Category 2B at 18.08 percent, with a total population of 7.525 million.
“The report suggests raising their reservation from 4 percent to 8 percent, surpassing that of the Vokkaliga community, which is currently recognized as the second-largest demographic group in the state,” sources noted.
They also mentioned that the Vokkaliga population stands at 6.168 million, representing 10.31 percent of the total, and the report proposes increasing their reservation to 7 percent.
Last week, the Deputy Chief Minister indicated that the Karnataka government would not rush into a decision concerning the caste census report.
The caste census report was presented to the state cabinet on Friday (April 10), and a special cabinet meeting is scheduled for April 17 to deliberate on the report’s suggestions.
However, no formal announcement has been made to the media regarding the report’s details.
