Communities trying to protect their interests, nothing wrong in it: Deputy CM on caste census

BENGALURU: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said that communities were trying to protect their interests in view of the caste census, and there was nothing wrong with that.

“The Veerashaiva Mahasabha is trying to protect its community’s interests, why should we criticise them? They can put forward their stand as per the Constitutional provisions”, he said while referring to the criticism of the caste census by Shamanur Shivashankarappa. He was replying to a question on Veerashaiva Mahasabha forming an experts’ committee to study the caste census.

#WATCH | Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar says “Congress party have given the Consitution to the country through the leadership of Baba Saheb Ambedkar. Congress has protected the values of the Constitution. Our leaders, from day 1 are fighting to protect the Constitution…” pic.twitter.com/PFYOjxvzhZ

— ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2025

“The Chief Minister has informed that a discussion would be allowed on the caste census in the Legislative Assembly. It is very transparent; what else can be done?”

Asked about his statement before the election backing the Vokkaliga community with respect to the caste census, he said, “I am the president of the KPCC now; it is my responsibility to ensure justice for everyone.” When asked about the caste census, which has put the number of Vokkaligas at 61 lakh, he said, “I am just the president of the KPCC”.

“Bengaluru Karaga is a symbol of communal harmony, there is a visit to Dargha also during the Karaga procession. Politics should not be done in the name of religion and temples. There are regulations for releasing grants for Karaga. It can’t be just handed over to anyone and everyone. The responsibility lies with the DC, and he will allocate the funds accordingly”, he said. (ANI)