It's justice, not politics: DK Shivakumar backs new caste census in Karnataka
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday defended the government's decision to conduct a fresh caste census, asserting that the move is driven by social justice and not political motives.Speaking to reporters after a Cabinet meeting, Shivakumar lashed out at opposition parties for their 'contradictory' stance on the issue. 'The reason why we are redoing the caste census is social justice, not politics. The opposition parties, who criticised the previous caste census, are now opposing the new caste census. Let them support the original one if they have a problem with the new one,' he said.advertisementHe challenged JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy, BJP state president BY Vijayendra, and senior BJP leader R Ashoka to clarify their stand publicly. 'Let them call for a press conference and say they support the earlier caste census. They are making many comments, we will respond in the Assembly. The media should highlight these contradictions,' he added.
The comments come after the Karnataka Cabinet decided to go ahead with a fresh Socio-Economic and Educational Survey, often referred to as the caste census.The decision was based on the recommendations of the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, which had submitted its final report earlier this year. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed that the existing report was outdated, being over a decade old.Asked whether opposition from dominant communities like Lingayats and Vokkaligas influenced the state's decision to redo the survey, Shivakumar declined to comment. 'This survey will include all communities. Even Kannadigas living outside the state will be able to submit their details online,' he said.advertisementClarifying the role of the Congress high command, DK Shivakumar said, 'They have only given us guidelines. The state government has taken this decision after considering the views of the people and our MLAs.''The report was submitted on February 29 and has been discussed 5-6 times in Cabinet. The opposition too had demanded a re-survey,' he added.
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