Kalaburagi (Karnataka), Sep 30 (NationPress) The President of Karnataka BJP and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra remarked that the state's BJP unit does not oppose the caste census, but rather disapproves of the political maneuvering surrounding the subject by the government led by Siddaramaiah.

He made these comments during a press interaction in Kalaburagi on Tuesday concerning the contentious socio-economic and academic survey referred to as the caste census.

Vijayendra accused the state administration of leveraging the caste census as a political weapon, stating, “The state government is engaging in a chess game under the guise of the caste census. They aim to create divisions within Hindu society. Does the state government even possess the authority to do this?”

“We are not against the caste census, but there exists confusion regarding the intentions of the Chief Minister. Is Siddaramaiah pursuing this for authentic social justice for backward and oppressed groups, or is he merely trying to further his own political agenda?” he questioned.

He continued, “There is an evident lack of genuine concern in his approach, which has resulted in public skepticism.”

Addressing a question regarding the caste census, Vijayendra noted, “The Chief Minister criticized the BJP yesterday, asking if we are opposing even the Central government’s caste survey. Didn’t you allocate Rs 180 crore for the Kantharaj report? Why was it not implemented when you were in power?” he queried.

He clarified, “Currently, the BJP is not against spending Rs 500-600 crore on the survey. However, since Independence, no Congress or UPA administration has made such decisive moves regarding a caste census. Even though the Manmohan Singh administration had agreed to it, Rahul Gandhi expressed opposition,” he pointed out.

In response to another inquiry, he stated, “The BJP is firmly dedicated to delivering social, educational, and economic justice to backward and oppressed communities. The confusion is being generated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, not by the BJP. We reject Siddaramaiah’s approach,” he asserted.

He further questioned, “What has the High Court indicated? Why are you posing irrelevant questions? There are over 60 questions, and not all are mandatory,” he remarked, citing the High Court.

Taking a jab at the aerial survey conducted by CM Siddaramaiah in the flood-affected areas of northern Karnataka, he said, “First, compensate AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge’s family. Additionally, address the grievances of farmers as well.”

“When a farmer reports crop damage and requests compensation for 4 acres of tur (pigeon pea) crop, Mallikarjun Kharge replies – Even I own 40 acres and my crops are entirely ruined; I haven’t received any compensation either,” Vijayendra criticized.

He pointed out, “According to NDRF (National Disaster Response Fund) guidelines, compensation for dryland is Rs 6,000 per hectare. Yet, when B. S. Yediyurappa was Chief Minister—a fellow farmer leader—he visited all districts and provided NDRF-style relief from state funds to flood victims.”

He added, “I’m not suggesting that Siddaramaiah is unconcerned about farmers. However, that concern should be demonstrable.” When asked, he queried, “If you don’t exhibit concern for farmers currently in dire straits, then when will you?”

He further proposed that compensation ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 per acre should be distributed.

Former Deputy Chief Minister and MP Govind Karjol remarked, “We are not the source of confusion regarding the caste census; it is the Congress-led government and its high command who are responsible.”

“Are there Christian Lingayats? Are there Jain Panchamasalis? Are there Christian Dalits?” Karajol inquired.

He clarified further in response to another question: “Do not label anyone as Christian Dalits. Once a person converts to another faith, from the moment of conversion, they forfeit the privileges or associations of their previous religion. That connection to their past status is severed.”

“If someone converts to Christianity, they are now Christian; if to Islam, they belong to Islam,” he stated.

He further added, “If there was sincere concern for the economic or educational upliftment of communities, then Siddaramaiah, who served as Chief Minister from 2013 to 2018, should have taken action. He commissioned Kantharaj and spent Rs 180 crore on the report. What became of that report? It was discarded,” he criticized.

“We are not misleading anyone. It is Siddaramaiah and the Congress party who are deceiving the public,” he claimed.

“They previously disclosed the numerical data of castes. Why did they not maintain confidentiality when it was supposed to be kept secret?” he questioned.