Amid rising objections to the Social and Academic Survey, or caste census,, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.Ok. Shivakumar has mentioned any resolution on its potential postponement will likely be taken after consulting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
The survey is scheduled to happen between September 22 and October 7, at an estimated value of ₹420 crore.
Mr. Shivakumar, alongside together with his cupboard colleagues H.Ok. Patil, Shivaraj Tangadagi, Byrathi Suresh and B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan, went right into a huddle with Karnataka State Fee for Backward Courses Chairperson Madhusudhan R. Naik and its members.
The assembly got here following some objections that had been reportedly raised through the cupboard assembly earlier on Thursday (September 18, 2025) concerning the castes checklist ready for the survey.
Following the objections, CM Siddaramaiah apparently requested some Ministers to carry discussions and get again to him concerning the additional course of actions, based on official sources.
“We’ve got mentioned how some individuals and BJP are misusing (the scenario). The Backward Class fee systematically and throughout the framework of regulation, making an allowance for public opinion and the way the surveys have been executed prior to now, has made an inventory. We’ve got taken their (Commissions) opinion too,” Mr. Shivakumar mentioned, after the assembly on Thursday (September 18, 2025).
Chatting with reporters right here, he mentioned, the Congress celebration and the federal government don’t need to divide any neighborhood.
“The checklist of castes has been ready by the Fee primarily based on what was there prior to now and on the request from communities. However a few of our members have expressed objections to this. We’re searching for opinions. We aren’t involved about these talking politically. This survey is being executed to offer justice for all. We’ll inform the chief minister as to what has transpired and inform you in regards to the resolution,” he added.
Requested whether or not there have been recommendations to postpone the survey, the Deputy CM mentioned, “I gained’t say something about it now. After discussing with the CM, I’ll communicate to you. Finally we’ll present justice to everybody.”
Based on sources, through the cupboard assembly the caste census situation got here up for dialogue, throughout which a number of Ministers expressed objections and reservations concerning the caste checklist and “problematic nomenclatures” of castes talked about in it.
Issues had been additionally raised about “anti-upper caste” picture being created in opposition to the Congress in reference to the survey, and likewise BJP accusing the federal government of dividing Hindus and Veerashaiva-Lingayat neighborhood gaining traction.
“Additionally, issues had been raised about robust objections to the caste census checklist, particularly concerning a variety of castes containing twin identities – having each Christian and Hindu caste names – like ‘Kuruba Christian’, ‘Brahmin Christian’, ‘Vokkaliga Christian’ amongst others. Some even cautioned about this “problematic nomenclatures” being projected as a transfer that can give alternative for spiritual conversion, and them consuming into quota share of different OBCs.
Some Ministers are mentioned to have instructed holding the survey after rectifying all of the confusions. Confusion or variations among the many Veerashaiva-Lingayats, a dominant neighborhood, over mentioning themselves as a separate faith, as an alternative of Hindus had been additionally identified, sources mentioned.
There have been additionally warning by few, that suspending the survey might ship a unsuitable message, sources added.
BJP too urged the federal government and the Backward Class Fee to not conduct the survey “unexpectedly”, warning that any inconsiderate transfer might create divide between the communities.
Pointing to the alleged lack of unity throughout the cupboard, BJP state Basic Secretary and MLA Sunil Kumar advised the federal government to postpone the survey. “Name an all celebration assembly and assembly of all castes representatives to assemble opinion and maintain the survey throughout summer time.”
He additionally questioned the necessity for the survey, when the Centre has already introduced caste enumeration within the nationwide census, and alleged “caste census within the state appears to be a transfer by CM Siddaramaiah to increase his tenure as CM, amid energy tussle throughout the ruling celebration.”
The BJP chief reiterated the celebration’s objections to the caste census checklist, with castes that include twin identities, having each Christian and Hindu caste identify, stating that it might give scope for a large-scale spiritual conversion.
Printed – September 19, 2025 11:31 am IST