The meeting of seers and all-party political leaders, led by the influential seer of the Adi Chunchanagiri Mutt, was intended to urge the state government not to implement the contentious caste census report.
Published Jan 12, 2025 | 3:08 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 12, 2025 | 3:08 PM
DK Shivakumar announces formation of five corporations under Greater Bengaluru Authority (Supplied)
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday, 12 January, said he has asked officials of the Vokkaligara Sangha to postpone their scheduled meeting of seers and all-party political leaders from the community.
The meeting, which was to be led by the influential seer of the Adi Chunchanagiri Mutt, was intended to urge the state government not to implement the contentious caste census report.
“I have told the Vokkaligara Sangha officials to postpone the meeting as it would create unnecessary confusion. I also told them that I would talk to the seer of Adi Chunchanagiri mutt about it,” Shivakumar said while speaking to reporters at his residence in Sadashivanagar, Bengaluru.
When asked whether he had held a formal meeting with the Sangha officials, he said, “I have not held any meetings and there is no need for that. They had planned a separate meeting on caste census today and I had informed them I would not participate in that. They have told me that the meeting would be postponed.”
The Vokkaligara Sangha had planned the meeting to strategise community opposition to the caste census, which has triggered sharp divisions in Karnataka along caste and political lines.
Shivakumar also addressed internal issues within the Vokkaligara Sangha, warning that administrative action could be taken if disputes among its members persist.
“The Vokkaligara Sangha office bearers had met me after an internal reconciliation. I have warned them that an administrator would be appointed for the Sangha if they continue to fight among themselves. They have promised to work together,” he added.
The Karnataka Socio-Economic and Educational Census, commissioned in 2014 during Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s first tenure, was carried out at a cost of ₹169 crore and has since become a flashpoint in state politics.
Submitted by the Karnataka State Permanent Commission for Backward Classes, the report has faced sharp criticism from dominant caste groups, particularly the Vokkaligas and Lingayats, over its findings.
The Vokkaligara Sangha and the All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha have opposed the census, alleging it is “unscientific” and lacks credibility. The Sangha has accused the survey of excluding approximately 40 percent of Vokkaliga households and overlooking certain sub-castes.
While opposing the current findings, both groups have expressed support for the idea of a caste census but have called for a fresh survey to address their concerns. Meanwhile, the report has found support among marginalised groups for its potential to bring equitable representation.
The Congress, which had promised to accept the report during its 2023 Assembly election campaign, now faces pressure from multiple quarters, with the BJP and JD(S) firmly opposing its implementation.
The Cabinet is expected to take up the report in the Congress Legislature Party meeting on 13 January, with its implementation likely to be a key agenda item.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
