Siddaramaiah stated that the survey aimed to ensure equitable access for all individuals, irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds.
Published Apr 20, 2025 | 2:46 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 20, 2025 | 2:46 PM
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah speaking to the media.
Synopsis: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah denied reports of opposition in the Congress against implementing recommendations based on the caste census. He also added that the survey report was presented only after the matter was discussed with the Congress high command in Delhi.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday, 20 April, denied reports of opposition in the Congress against implementing recommendations based on the Socioeconomic and Educational Survey report, otherwise referred to as the caste census.
Speaking to the media at Belagavi airport, he said, “In the cabinet meeting held on 17 April, nobody opposed the report or spoke loudly. It is still being discussed, and every minister has been given an opportunity to present their opinion about the report. A discussion will be held in the next cabinet meeting, and a final decision will be made.”
After the survey report was leaked, people belonging to Akhila Bharat Veershaiva Lingayat Mahasabha and Karnataka State Vokkaliga Association objected and alleged that community numbers are recorded lower than what it is in reality. The report placed the Lingayat population at 66,35,233 and the Vokkaligas at 61,58,352.
When asked about the Lingayat and Vokkaliga population in Karnataka and the dissatisfaction expressed by the leaders of the communities on the report, the chief minister said, “I can’t comment on the basis of merit. It will be discussed in the next cabinet meeting.”
“It has been 75 years since India’s Independence. Do you think people should remain poor by being attached to their caste and religion?” he questioned.
He asserted that everybody has the right to education, he said and added: “To achieve that, the government must empower them socially and economically.”
“Not only Muslims and people belonging to other backwards communities, but also poor people of all religions and castes should get education and socioeconomic empowerment. This survey was prepared and presented in everybody’s interest. There will be no injustice done to anybody, including Lingayats, Vokkaligas, Brahmins and Muslims,” he said.
He also added that the survey report was presented only after the matter was discussed with the Congress high command in Delhi.
On Saturday, Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka alleged that the original report of the socioeconomic and educational survey was at Siddaramaiah’s home, and the one presented currently was not the original one.
Siddaramaiah responded to the allegation, saying, “When has R Ashoka ever spoken the truth? He has always lied to people. How is it possible for me to keep the original report?”
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
