Kalaburagi (Karnataka) [India]: Amid the growing political controversy over the caste census report in Karnataka, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday stated that he was unaware of the discussions held during the state cabinet meeting and emphasized that the decision lies solely with the Karnataka state government.
“It is left up to the state government. In every state, they will decide on their own. I have not seen the report or what was discussed in the cabinet,” Kharge told reporters in Kalaburagi.
The caste census, formally titled the “Socio-Economic and Educational Survey,” has reignited sharp political discourse in the state. A special cabinet meeting was scheduled for April 17 to deliberate on the findings of the Backward Class Commission’s report, which was recently submitted.
State Government’s Response:
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara confirmed that ministers have been asked to study the report in detail before offering recommendations.
“The Backward Class Commission has submitted its report to the Cabinet, and the Chief Minister has advised us to go through it and return with suggestions at the next meeting, specially convened to discuss this report,” Parameshwara told ANI.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reiterated his government’s commitment to social justice and inclusive development, echoing the ideals of Dr B.R. Ambedkar.
“Our government will work hard to build the kind of society Babasaheb Ambedkar wanted to build. A special cabinet meeting has been called to discuss the caste census report. It will be a single-subject discussion,” he said.
Opposition’s Criticism:
Union Minister and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy questioned the political motives behind the release of the survey.
“Is this caste census intended to benefit Siddaramaiah himself or the Congress party that supports him politically?” he asked.
He also took a dig at Rahul Gandhi, suggesting that the Congress leader has failed to understand the broader implications of the caste-based enumeration.
Context:
The caste census in Karnataka has been a long-standing and contentious issue, with political parties across the spectrum debating its impact on reservations, resource allocation, and electoral strategies. While the Congress-led state government has backed the move as a step toward data-driven social justice, opposition leaders have raised concerns about its timing, accuracy, and potential to sow divisions.