Key Points
- Karnataka Cabinet to discuss caste census on October 18.
- Kumaraswamy calls the move a distraction from land scams.
- Siddaramaiah says the report matters for all people in Karnataka.
- Kumaraswamy claims the census data is outdated and not useful.
- Officials are keen to make the report public.
Looma News
Karnataka is all set for a big chat about the caste census report, with CM Siddaramaiah saying the cabinet will dive into it on October 18. This has sparked some drama, especially from HD Kumaraswamy, who argues that the Congress government is just trying to pull a fast one to cover up a land scam linked to Siddaramaiah.
Siddaramaiah is making it clear that this census is about all 7 crore folks in Karnataka, not just backward classes. He pointed out that ministers from backward communities are pushing for the report to be accepted and used. His goal? To help those who still struggle to get opportunities, sticking to his party’s values.
Political Back-and-Forth
Kumaraswamy isn’t backing down, though. He’s challenging Congress to get a new mandate if they really want to push this report. He also pointed out that the Kantharaju Commission was set up a decade ago for this, meaning the data’s pretty much ancient. Plus, he’s questioning why Congress hasn’t released the findings after a year in power, especially with the 2024 elections looming.
Government Responses
On the flip side, Karnataka’s Home Minister G Parameshwara stated they’re ready to tackle the caste census issue and are prepared to move forward, whether that’s presenting it in the assembly or going public right after the cabinet meeting. Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi backed this up, insisting that the report should definitely be released and that it wouldn’t bring down the government.
What’s at Stake
Senior Congress leader BK Hariprasad also chimed in, saying any hesitation about implementing the census is pointless. He thinks the census will benefit everyone, even those who oppose it, and will promote overall development. The caste census from 2015 aimed to allocate resources based on population but faced backlash from big groups like Vokkaliags and Lingayats, who say the method is unscientific and want a new survey. Clearly, this issue isn’t going anywhere soon.
