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Key Points

Karnataka is embroiled in a heated political debate over its controversial caste census report, with Union Minister V Somanna launching a scathing attack on the state government's approach. The decade-old survey has become a flashpoint between political parties, with accusations of manipulation and hidden agendas flying from multiple sides. Siddaramaiah's government is preparing to discuss the report in a special cabinet meeting, raising tensions across the political spectrum. The unfolding controversy highlights the complex and sensitive nature of caste-based demographic studies in Indian politics.

Key Points: V Somanna Blasts Siddaramaiah's Controversial Caste Census Plan

  • Union minister attacks decade-old caste census report as politically motivated
  • Somanna demands complete re-survey before public release
  • Karnataka CM plans special cabinet meeting on census report
  • Opposition claims political manipulation of sensitive document
3 min read

Union minister V Somanna slams the Karnataka caste census report

Union Minister V Somanna criticizes Karnataka's decade-old caste census report, urging a fresh survey and warning against potential social tensions.

"Don't become a villain by releasing the report in the state. - V Somanna, Union Minister"

Tumkur, April 16

Union Minister of State for Railways V. has voiced strong opposition to the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah government's caste census report.

Speaking to reporters in Tumkur, Somanna said, "I have already told you whatever I wanted to convey. The current report is over ten years old. Don't become a villain by releasing the report in the state. Give it a year and a half, conduct another survey, and then you will be remembered like Devaraj Urs."

Somanna further questioned, "Ten years have passed. What happened to the report? Did Kantharaju run away without signing it? We brought in Jayaprakash Hegde, and he too has become a scumbag. Everyone was acting out of selfishness."

The Union Minister urged the Congress-led state government to scrap the current report and start anew. "Dismiss the report without creating more confusion. Conduct a proper re-survey, take your time, and make the announcement at your own time and take credit for it. But don't shift blame from one person to another. Releasing the report now, in the midst of confusion, is like putting your hand in a beehive; nothing will happen," he added.

Kantharaju is the former chairman of the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes who headed the 2015 socio-economic survey, while Jayaprakash Hegde is the former Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly.

On Monday, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said that a special cabinet meeting has been called on April 17 to discuss the Caste Census report. Siddaramaiah also told mediapersons that their government will work hard to "build the kind of society that Babasaheb Ambedkar wanted to build."

Earlier, Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy accused Siddaramaiah of using the caste census as a political gimmick to divert public attention from the Congress government's failures.

Speaking to mediapersons near Freedom Park, Kumaraswamy said, "There is no meaning to the caste census report that is now being brandished. The Kantharaj Commission's report was prepared a decade ago. Why wasn't it implemented all this while? Now, with the public outrage over failed guarantees, rampant corruption, and price hikes reaching a boiling point, the government is trying to mislead people with the drama of the caste census."

"If you truly want a caste census, then conduct a fresh survey and submit a new report. The last 10 years have brought significant demographic changes," Kumaraswamy stated. He accused the Congress of exploiting caste for political gain, warning that this divisive agenda could create social unrest.

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

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Interesting perspective from Somanna. If the data is outdated, maybe a fresh survey does make sense. But calling people "scumbags" seems unnecessary - politicians should maintain decorum. 🤔
P
Priya M.
The caste census is long overdue! Whether it's this report or a new one, we need transparency. How else can we address inequality properly? Kudos to CM Siddaramaiah for taking initiative.
S
Sanjay T.
Both sides make valid points. The data might be old, but starting fresh would take years. Maybe release current findings while beginning new survey? Compromise is needed here.
A
Ananya R.
The beehive analogy is funny but true! 😂 Releasing controversial data during election season would definitely stir things up. Maybe wait for calmer times regardless of which party you support.
V
Vikram J.
While I agree the timing seems political, we shouldn't dismiss the importance of caste data altogether. Accurate information helps create better policies for marginalized communities. The focus should be on methodology, not politics.

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