Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 12: Karnataka Minister HK Patil confirmed on Thursday that the state cabinet will take a final call on re-conducting the caste census, following rising concerns and demands from various communities.
Speaking to reporters, Patil acknowledged that the existing data, collected over a decade ago, is outdated. “When the report was presented, even several BJP leaders had said the data was too old and needed a re-survey. Responding to public opinion, we will take a final view in today’s special cabinet meeting,” he said.
Echoing this sentiment, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara noted that several discrepancies had been pointed out in the previous survey. “Some communities have claimed they were left out or underrepresented. The party high command has also asked us to review the matter thoroughly. We will discuss whether it should be taken to the assembly session,” he said.
Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, addressing media queries, questioned the BJP’s continued opposition to the re-survey. “The BJP earlier raised concerns over the sanctity of the old data, and now, when we are willing to address those issues, they are opposing again. We are not discarding the old report—we are correcting its shortcomings to ensure justice to all communities.”
He further assured that the modalities of the new survey would be discussed in the cabinet meeting. “Communities like the Lambanis, Jains, and Besthas have shared concerns. The earlier census was scientific, conducted through door-to-door visits, but people were hesitant to disclose caste details. Our national leadership, including the AICC President, has guided us on the way forward. The CM will make the final decision,” Shivakumar said.
States like Bihar, Karnataka, and Telangana have already undertaken caste-based surveys. Telangana has also introduced a 42% backward class reservation. Karnataka’s caste census report, prepared by the State Commission for Backward Classes, will make it the second Congress-ruled state after Telangana to pursue a fresh caste re-enumeration.