In a heated political standoff, the release of the caste census report has become a bone of contention, sparking accusations and objections from various quarters. Ministers within the Congress government are reportedly hesitant to disclose the findings, triggering a wave of criticism and suspicion.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, leveraging Rahul Gandhi’s stance, has strategically aligned himself with the Congress party leadership, a move that has trapped some of his own party leaders. Opposition leaders, including R. Ashok, have raised substantial objections, casting doubt on the authenticity of Kantaraju’s caste census report. Ashok criticised Siddaramaiah for what he deems as a hurried attempt to appease Congress leaders, especially Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, ahead of the impending Lok Sabha elections.
The authenticity of the Kantaraju report is under scrutiny, with claims of a missing original copy, lack of the secretary’s signature, and allegations of its unscientific nature. The Congress government’s Cabinet Ministers have resisted the release, further fuelling suspicions. R. Ashok questioned the urgency in accepting a disputed report, highlighting the discrepancies and controversies surrounding it.
Former CM Basavaraja Bommai joined the chorus of dissent, asserting that Siddaramaiah’s push for the caste census is driven by a political agenda in light of the upcoming elections. He criticised the confusion created by Siddaramaiah’s shifting statements on the nature of the report. Kumaraswamy, the JDS state president, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the commitment of CM Siddaramaiah to his stance despite mounting opposition.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, undeterred by the criticism, defended his decision during a speech in Bagalkot. He argued that those opposing the report are unaware of its contents and questioned the basis of their objections. Siddaramaiah challenged former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy’s assertion that the caste census would divide society, urging a focus on facts and a responsible discussion.
Within the Congress, senior leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa has opposed the report, particularly citing concerns for the Lingayat community. The Okkaligar Sangh, featuring signatures from prominent figures such as Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, has also expressed dissent.
Siddaramaiah, however, remains resolute in his commitment to the caste census, aligning himself with Rahul Gandhi’s endorsement and raising the stakes for dissenting voices within the party. As the political mudslinging intensifies, the fate of the controversial caste census report hangs in the balance, with broader implications for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and the political landscape of the region.