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Key Points

Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje has made serious allegations against the Karnataka government. She claims Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is attempting to divide Hindus through the caste census. The minister alleges this is a conspiracy to divert reservation benefits from SC/ST communities to Christian converts. Karandlaje warns that Hindus must unite or risk losing their reservation privileges entirely.

Key Points: Shobha Karandlaje Accuses Siddaramaiah of Dividing Hindus to End Reservations

  • Karandlaje accuses govt of creating sub-castes like Vokkaliga-Christian
  • Claims conspiracy to divert SC/ST quotas to converts
  • Compares Siddaramaiah strategy to British divide-and-rule
  • Warns Hindus must unite or lose reservation benefits
2 min read

Union Minister Karandlaje accuses K'taka govt of attempting to take away reservation by dividing Hindus

Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje alleges Karnataka govt's caste census is a conspiracy to divide Hindus and divert SC/ST reservation benefits to Christian converts.

"This is a clear conspiracy to snatch away our reservations - Shobha Karandlaje"

Bidar, Sep 19

Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje on Friday accused the Karnataka government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of attempting to divide Hindus into various groups and take away the reservation benefits of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes through the caste census.

Speaking to reporters in Bidar, Shobha said, “Whenever Siddaramaiah faces failure, he resorts to the strategy of dividing castes. In 2013, he attempted to divide the Veerashaiva and Lingayat communities, even at the village level. This time, he is attempting to divide all castes in Karnataka in the name of caste census.

"He has created many new sub-castes, and along with that, he is also trying to divide Veerashaivas and Lingayats. Besides, he has created sub-castes such as Vokkaliga-Christian, Lingayat-Christian, Ganiga-Christian, and Nekara-Christian. Why are you doing this?”

She further stated, “This is a clear conspiracy to snatch away our reservations. If you want to become a Christian, you become one, there is no problem. But whoever converts to Christianity from SC, ST, or backward communities should identify themselves as Christians. Those who convert will get the facilities provided to minorities.”

“But today, by creating categories such as Vokkaliga-Christian, Lingayat-Christian, Veerashaiva-Christian and others, there is a conspiracy to divert the reservation benefits given to Scheduled Castes and Tribes to those who have converted to Christianity. This is a well-planned conspiracy by the Siddaramaiah-led government,” Shobha charged.

“Today, the time has come for all people of the Hindu religion to unite, setting aside caste and community differences. If not, we will be divided into many groups and they will take away reservations. What the British did, the Siddaramaiah-led government is doing now with the same British mentality,” she underlined.

The Karnataka government announced that a comprehensive Socio-Economic and Educational Survey will be held between September 22 and October 7, 2025 during the Dussehra holidays.

"The Social and Educational Survey will be conducted in the state by the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission from September 22 to October 7. Around 1.75 lakh teachers will be deployed for this task. They will be provided an honorarium of up to Rs 20,000. The cost of teacher honorariums will be around Rs. 325 crore," CM Siddaramaiah stated.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has stated that the Backward Classes Commission is expected to submit the report of the Socio-Economic and Educational survey, popularly known as caste census survey by December.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone from SC community, I'm worried about this. Reservation is meant for social upliftment, not for political games. If someone converts to Christianity, they should follow that community's system, not claim benefits from both sides.
M
Michael C
While I understand the concern about reservation misuse, a proper caste census is needed for accurate data. We can't make policies based on outdated statistics. The government should ensure transparency in the process.
Nikhil C
Why are we always fighting over reservations? Instead of dividing people, government should focus on creating more jobs and opportunities for everyone. This caste politics is getting old now.
S
Shreya B
Actually, the caste census is important to understand current social realities. Many communities feel they're underrepresented. But the government must ensure it doesn't become a tool for division. Balance is key.
A
Aditya G
Shobha Madam is right! This is a clever way to dilute Hindu votes and reservation benefits. We've seen this pattern before elections. Hindus must stay united against such divisive politics. 🚩

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