‘Karnataka govt capable of resolving doubts around caste census’: Congress leader DK Suresh

BENGALURU: Amid the ongoing discussions and debates surrounding the caste census in Karnataka, Congress leader and former MP D K Suresh, on Tuesday, expressed confidence in the state government’s capacity to dispel doubts and ensure clarity on the issue.

Addressing a press conference at his Sadashivanagar residence, D K Suresh said, “The government has a huge responsibility to clear all doubts revolving around the caste census. I believe the government has the ability to put an end to the confusion. I am confident that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his Cabinet colleagues will address this collectively.”

Referring to concerns raised by the Kantharaju Commission and subsequent reports, Suresh noted that data collection, particularly in urban areas, posed challenges due to heavy migration over the past 15 years. “There is doubt whether the urban migrant population was accurately reflected in the survey. The CM must take everyone into confidence, and resolving these concerns should be the first step”, he added.

Clarifying the role of the Kantharaju Commission, Suresh pointed out that it had conducted a socio-economic and educational survey, not a caste census per se. “The interim report was accepted by the then-BJP government, and Jayaprakash Hegde later completed the report. It is important to remember that the BJP itself had appointed Hegde”, he said.

He expressed concern over public discourse focusing solely on caste, overlooking the broader socio-economic and educational data the survey intended to capture. “There are economically weak sections among Brahmins, Lingayats, and Vokkaligas too. But there is no clarity about the economic status of many communities”, Suresh remarked.

Accusing sections of the media of adding to the confusion, he said, “The Kantharaju and Hegde reports are with ministers, but instead of official clarification, media reports have taken over the narrative. Congress remains committed to the upliftment of the downtrodden.”

Taking a swipe at BJP leaders, he said, “No one is opposing the report. BJP accepted it when in power. R Ashok and Sunil Kumar, who are now demanding answers, should have done so during their tenure.”

Suresh also questioned discrepancies in state data, highlighting that while the caste survey covered 1.34 crore families, welfare schemes like Gruha Jyothi and Gruha Lakshmi are reaching over 1.6 crore and 1.22 crore households, respectively. “Naturally, questions arise about the reliability of the census figures,” he said.

On April 20, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that the state government would not take any hasty decision regarding the socio-economic survey, commonly referred to as the caste census. He emphasised that the Congress party remains committed to empowering the oppressed and delivering justice to all communities.

“We will empower the oppressed and ensure justice for everyone. There will be no hasty decisions on this matter,” Shivakumar said while addressing the media in Mangaluru. When asked about Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s recent letter reportedly concerning the caste census, Shivakumar said he had not seen the letter.

He reiterated the Congress party’s stance on equitable development and inclusive justice. “I have not seen that letter. The Congress party is committed to taking all communities forward equally. Our aim is to provide justice to everyone. Nowhere have we said we want to do injustice to anyone. Empowering the oppressed is our primary goal,” he said.

The Karnataka State Commission for Backwards Classes has submitted the caste census (socio-economic and educational survey) report to the Siddaramaiah-led cabinet. The caste census report, if released, will be the second by a Congress-ruled state, after Telangana. (ANI)