Govt announcement on fresh caste survey an attempt to deflect attention from stampede?

BENGALURU: The government has announced plans to conduct another caste census in Karnataka amid the controversy surrounding the Chinnaswamy stadium stampede. The decision comes after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar met with the high command and received instructions to conduct a fresh caste census.

The government’s announcement followed pressure from dominant communities, including the Vokkaligas and Lingayats, who opposed the previous caste census and alleged that it was unscientific. These communities, which have significant representation in the Cabinet, reportedly urged the Chief Minister to ensure that the census report is not accepted without a fresh, scientifically conducted survey.

The decision to conduct a fresh caste census is seen as a move to avert potential political fallout.

The major possible reasons for a re-caste census are as follows:

Many communities, including the Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities, opposed the caste census that has been conducted now.

Many communities alleged that the survey was not conducted scientifically.

Accepting the previous census report could have led to significant political repercussions, with dominant communities possibly turning against the Congress party.

The high command’s directive to conduct a fresh survey is likely aimed at addressing these concerns.

To prevent further political damage to both the government and the party.

Pressure was put on the government and community ministers to conduct a scientific re-survey.

Dominant communities warned the government not to approve the caste census for any reason.

If the caste census report was approved, there was a possibility of it taking a highly political turn.

Lingayat and Vokkaliga ministers who were part of the government had also pressured the CM not to approve the caste census in the cabinet.

Thus, the high command has given instructions for a re-survey of the caste census.