'Caste census data would have been digitized even if original report is missing'

The Hindu

21-04-2025

Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah on Monday claimed that the data pertaining to the Socio-Economic and Educational Survey, popularly known as the caste census, would likely have been digitized even if the original report were to have gone missing.
Fielding reporters' queries with regard to the Opposition leaders' charges on the original report going missing, Mr. Yathindra said the then Chairperson of the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes would give a clarification on the issue.
He not only dismissed as 'baseless' the BJP's charges that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had kept the original report with him, but also termed as 'ridiculous' and borne out of 'prejudiced assumptions' the allegations that Mr. Siddaramaiah would do injustice to dominant castes as he belonged to the backward communities.
Mr. Yathindra sought to emphasise that the caste census would not do any harm to any caste and sought to dispel the 'misconception' that some communities will be affected if it were to be implemented.
Pointing out that the caste census report had sought to increase the percentage of reservation from the existing 32% to 51%, Mr. Yathindra said all the backward classes, including the Vokkaligas and Lingayats would stand to benefit if the report is implemented.
Various backward communities had been seeking an increase in the percentage of their reservation in view of the rise in population. Removing the 50% ceiling on reservation was a solution to increasing the quantum of reservation for various backward classes, he said.
The percentage need not necessarily be increased in proportion to each community's population, but in accordance with their state of economic backwardness, he said.
Mr. Yathindra also sought to make it clear that there was no threat to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's position and dismissed the charges that the caste census report had been released only to politically stabilise him.
He said the party is united behind Mr. Siddaramaiah, while the high command is also in his support. Despite the false cases foisted on him, the party leadership, high command, and the party legislators are firmly behind Mr. Siddaramaiah.
He said the caste census was his commitment to society. Though the survey was completed during his earlier term as the Chief Minister, the same could not be implemented. However, the party's manifesto in the last Assembly elections had promised its release and the party had come to power on the assurance.
He said the party command, including the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi was in favour of conducting the caste census if the party came to power. Hence, the caste census was released, he said.
Reacting to questions on the Janivara row, Mr. Yathindra said mistakes had taken place at a few places, and the government had taken appropriate action against the wrongdoers and suitably resolved the grievances of the victims.
He said the Congress will ensure religious freedom to everybody and appealed to the BJP against politicising the matter.