OBC forum urges Rahul Gandhi to support caste census report
"For the first time in Karnataka, a comprehensive social, economic, educational, and political survey of all communities was conducted through the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes when Siddaramaiah was the CM for the first time in 2013. The primary objective of this survey was to understand the socio-economic and educational conditions of all communities, including the oppressed, with statistical data and to ensure social justice for these sections. This survey was conducted scientifically with a cost of approximately Rs180 crore. But now a few Congress MLAs are opposing it without any valid reasons," they alleged.
"The report has now been presented and discussed in the cabinet meeting. However, it is deeply saddening that senior Congress MLAs such as Shamanur Shivashankarappa and a few others are opposing this report. Moreover, these MLAs and some leaders have made extremely derogatory statements about the report and the AHINDA communities (minorities, backward classes, and Dalits). They are demanding that the report be discarded entirely, which has caused great distress among all AHINDA sections," said forum president KS Shivaram.
"The report consolidates statistical data not only on population but also on social, economic, and educational status of AHINDA communities. It has recommended reservation categorisation and an increase in reservation for various sections. Based on the statistics in this report, the govt will be able to provide political, social, and educational representation to AHINDA communities. However, it is truly unfortunate that some Congress MLAs themselves are opposing this," he said.
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The forum requests Rahul's immediate intervention to instruct Congress MLAs to avoid creating unnecessary confusion regarding the report.
Raveenandan, president, District Madivala Association, S Yogeesh Uppar, president, District Uppar Association, and others were present.
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