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Key Points

BJP leader R. Ashoka has strongly criticized the caste survey initiated by the Karnataka government. He claims the survey is not official and accuses Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of creating divisions within society. Ashoka further alleges that the survey encourages religious conversion by creating new caste categories. He also contrasted the tax reductions by the central government with the tax increases by the state Congress administration.

Key Points: BJP Leader Ashoka Slams Siddaramaiah Unofficial Caste Survey

  • BJP claims the Siddaramaiah-led caste survey is unofficial and lacks state authority
  • Ashoka alleges the survey encourages religious conversion among communities
  • The opposition leader demands postponement citing Dussehra travel and census overlap
  • Ashoka contrasts central GST reductions with state tax hikes under Congress
3 min read

K'taka CM Siddaramaiah's dictated caste survey not official: BJP

BJP's R. Ashoka accuses Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah of dividing society with an unofficial caste survey that encourages religious conversion.

"It is a survey that divides castes. CM Siddaramaiah has created a platform for conversion... - R. Ashoka"

Mandya

, Sep 22 (IANS) Slamming the 'Socio-Economic and Academic survey', also referred to as caste survey, commenced by the Congress-led government in Karnataka, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka stated that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's dictated caste survey is not official.

Speaking at a press conference in Mandya on Monday, Ashoka said that the caste survey encourages religious conversion.

"It is a survey that divides castes. CM Siddaramaiah has created a platform for conversion... 52 new castes have been created to include Vokkaliga, Dalit, and Vishwakarma communities into Christianity.

"They can show the numbers of castes they want as less or more. There are many castes among Muslims and Christians, but they are not revealing them. However, CM Siddaramaiah says there is discrimination among Hindus. Women are not allowed entry into mosques, and women must wear burqas. Thus, there is discrimination in all religions," he said.

In the state, Lingayats have the highest population, followed by Vokkaligas. CM Siddaramaiah is trying to change this proportion. He is dividing the Vokkaliga community itself. He has created new castes, he said.

It is not possible to conduct the survey in fifteen days. People will be traveling due to Dusshera. Therefore, it should be postponed. Moreover, the central government has already prepared for the census. The state government does not have the authority to conduct a census, he said.

Talking about GST reforms, Ashoka stated: "Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has reduced GST to provide relief to the people. Taxes on daily essentials like butter and ghee have been reduced to 5 per cent. During the UPA government, there was 30 per cent tax on cement, TV, washing machine, and fridge, which has now come down to 18 per cent. The tax on restaurants, which was 21 per cent, has come down to 5 per cent. The tax on urea fertilizer, which was 18 per cent, has now been reduced to 5 per cent."

Due to the Congress government in Karnataka, the tax burden has increased, but PM Modi-led government has reduced it. This is good news for the poor, he said.

"CM Siddaramaiah and ministers are finding faults in this too. They should explain how reducing taxes for people causes loss. This government has increased the prices of 25 goods and services. Milk, water, vehicle registration, stamp duty—Gabbar Singh tax has been imposed like this. To fund the guarantees, an additional Rs 65,000 crore in taxes is being collected. There was no money in the government, so GST was imposed on small traders. At that time, false allegations were made that the Central government did it. If this government had any dignity, it should have challenged the Central government and reduced taxes. Let there be competition in tax reduction," Ashoka charged.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who has studied social policy, caste surveys are essential for equitable development. However, the timing during Dussehra does seem inconvenient for many families. Could have been planned better.
P
Priya S
Both parties are playing caste politics. Congress wants to create new vote banks, BJP wants to protect existing equations. Meanwhile, common people suffer from actual issues like price rise and unemployment. 🙄
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Michael C
The GST reduction mentioned by Ashoka is indeed good for middle-class families. But mixing caste survey with tax policies seems like deflection. Each issue should be discussed on its own merit.
A
Ananya R
As a Kannadiga, I feel both parties are using our state as a political battleground. We need development, not constant fighting. The survey should be transparent and include all communities fairly.
R
Rajesh Q
The allegation about creating 52 new castes sounds exaggerated. Government should clarify the methodology properly. Transparency is key if they want people to trust this exercise. 👍
K
Karthik V
Instead of fighting, both parties should work together for Karnataka's progress. Caste survey can be useful if done correctly, but political motives spoil everything. Hope common sense prevails!

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