Key Points

BJP leader Narayanaswamy criticized Karnataka's caste census as a Congress ploy to secure vote banks. The state cabinet deferred a decision on the survey, seeking further discussions. Siddaramaiah directed ministers to submit written concerns before the next meeting. If released, Karnataka would be the second Congress-ruled state after Telangana to conduct such a census.

Key Points: BJP's Narayanaswamy Slams Karnataka Caste Survey as Congress Vote Bank Tactic

  • BJP accuses Congress of politicizing caste survey
  • Karnataka cabinet defers decision on report
  • Siddaramaiah seeks written concerns from ministers
  • Survey could shape reservation policies
2 min read

They are doing this to create their vote bank..., BJP's Narayanaswamy over Karnataka's caste survey report

BJP leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy accuses Congress of using Karnataka's caste census to build vote banks amid cabinet discussions on the report.

"They are doing this to create their vote bank... - Chalavadi Narayanaswamy"

Bengaluru, April 18

Amid the criticism over the caste census report in Karnataka, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy on Friday accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of "creating vote-bank".

Narayanaswamy who is also the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka's Legislative Council, told ANI, "Conducting caste census is the job of the Centre, not the State. There is also talk of creating reservation categories. They are doing this to create their vote bank..."

Replying to a query, he said, " "BJP Janakrosh Yatra against Karnataka Govt will be held across the state. Prices of all commodities have been hiked by the state government. This government is deep in corruption."

Meanwhile, the special cabinet meeting on the Socio-Economic Survey concluded on Thursday, and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asked ministers to submit their concerns in writing.

The Karnataka government is likely to convene another round of cabinet discussions on the issue.

Reacting to the Karnataka Caste Survey report, State Minister Priyank Kharge earlier said, "The report is voluminous, it will take time."

Karnataka Minister N Chaluvaraya Swamy stated on Thursday that no decision was taken in the cabinet meeting.

"No decision has been taken yet, the subject has been deferred, and the cabinet meeting is over today (April 17). It will be discussed once again in the next meeting (Cabinet), there is no question of rejecting or accepting, it's all about discussing in the next cabinet meeting about the survey. CM and DCM, along with 32, including all Ministers, discussed thoroughly. Some other opinions of the ministers have to be discussed, as many wished to speak on the issue; that's why the subject has been deferred for the next cabinet meeting," the Minister said.

The Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes has submitted the caste census (socio, economic, and educational survey) report to the Siddaramaiah-led cabinet. If released, the caste census report will be the second by a Congress-ruled state after Telangana.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Interesting how every party accuses others of vote bank politics while doing the same themselves. Can we focus on actual governance for once? 🤔
P
Priya M.
The caste survey is long overdue! We need data to make informed policies. Kudos to Karnataka govt for taking this initiative despite opposition.
S
Sanjay T.
While I support the caste survey in principle, the timing does seem political. Wish they had done this at the start of their term rather than before elections.
A
Ananya R.
Why is BJP so against data collection? Every developed nation uses surveys to shape policies. This is basic governance 101! 👏
V
Vikram S.
Both sides make valid points. The Centre should have done this nationwide survey long back. Now states are forced to take matters into their own hands.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50