Karnataka caste poll heats political climate: 22 ministers’ views pending, Siddaramaiah postpones action
The recent caste survey (Socio-economic and Educational Survey) conducted in Karnataka has shaken the state politics. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has avoided taking any definite action on the report, while the views of 22 ministers remain pending. This has landed the ruling Congress party in a tricky situation, as leaders and ministers belonging to various communities have expressed different responses.
Caste Survey Report: Key Points
As per the report, the Scheduled Castes (SCs) in the country are most in range, while the Veera-Shaiva-Lingayat and Vokkaliga groups had been found to be relatively fewer in variety. This revelation become a surprise to maximum leaders and communities, as they have got lengthy regarded these communities because the ruling castes of the state.
Objections of Veera-Shaiva-Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities
Leaders of Veera-Shaiva-Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities have termed the report as “unscientific” and “incomplete” and asked that it be rejected. They claim that numerous houses were not surveyed and that the report had factual errors. The Vokkaliga community, in specific, has complained that the surveyors did not go to their houses and that their numbers have been underestimated in the report.
Internal divisions of the Congress party
Differences have also arisen within the Congress party regarding this issue. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, a member of the Vokkaliga community, has insisted on rejecting the report. Meanwhile, Home Minister G. Parameshwara has emphasized that the report should be made public so that people understand what is inside it.
Dalit and backward caste support
Meanwhile, leaders and organizations of backward castes and Dalits have endorsed this report. He asserts that the report brings out the social and economic disparities in the state and preparations should be made on its basis. He has urged the Chief Minister to adopt and implement the report.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s stand
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has stated that nobody will be harmed by the report and if anybody has objections, they will be settled. He also added that it should be accepted, as it will tell us the social, economic and educational position of the state.
Conclusion
The caste survey report of Karnataka has set up a fresh controversy in Karnataka politics. There are no concrete moves so far by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and responses from various groups and leaders are diverse. It will be interesting to note what the stand of the government is on this matter in the days to come and whether this report makes any significant change in social and political thinking in the state.
May 12, 2025