Siddaramaiah aims to divide Hindus & Muslims: K'taka BJP on caste census

IANS April 15, 2025 173 views

The Karnataka BJP has launched a fierce attack on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's caste census initiative, alleging it's a deliberate strategy to divide communities for political advantage. BJP leaders like B.Y. Vijayendra and R. Ashoka claim the census is an outdated manipulation aimed at creating vote banks rather than addressing genuine social concerns. They argue that the Congress party is using divisive tactics reminiscent of British colonial strategies. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between political parties over caste and minority representation in Karnataka.

"Congress is successfully following the British policy of 'divide and rule'" - B.Y. Vijayendra, BJP State President
Belagavi, April 15: BJP state president and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra has alleged that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has started work aimed at dividing Hindus and Muslims under the caste census.

Key Points

1

BJP claims caste census is politically motivated

2

Vijayendra accuses Congress of vote bank politics

3

R. Ashoka criticizes minority status interpretation

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Survey challenges community representation

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, he responded to a question and said that even though the state government does not have the authority to conduct a caste census, they have still proceeded with it.

“There is neither implementation of reservation based on the caste census nor is it even possible. This report is outdated - more than 10 years old. According to the Backwards Classes Commission, such a survey should happen every 10 years. The government’s statement about implementation is just an eyewash,” said Vijayendra.

He said the Congress party is successfully following the British policy of “divide and rule” in this country.

“During Siddaramaiah’s earlier tenure as Chief Minister, he attempted to spark controversy by declaring Veerashaiva-Lingayat as a separate religion. He failed in that attempt,” he said.

Vijayendra alleged that Congress now remembers Ambedkar and Muslims, but they are using Muslims as a vote bank.

He further stated that both the Congress party and Siddaramaiah lack sincerity in their approach to marginalised castes and communities and are merely using them for vote bank politics.

“The BJP is committed to ensuring economic, educational, and social justice for backwards, oppressed, and exploited communities. But Siddaramaiah is using this issue as a political strategy to secure his vote base,” he alleged.

He said that the H. Kantharaj report was submitted in 2015. “What did Siddaramaiah do for the next 4 years? If he was truly concerned, why didn’t he implement it during his earlier tenure?” he said.

The Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, stated that last time they tried to announce the Lingayat community as a separate religion and burnt their hands. “Now they are trying to implement the caste census report. This time as well, they will be punished by the people. The survey says Muslims have the largest population in the state. Why do they need the status of minorities? If they are number one in terms of numbers, they should be removed from the list of minorities,” he said.

He said that the Lingayat community is divided into subcastes and not considered as one group while conducting the survey. “In Vokkaligas, many subcastes are not considered,” he said.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This caste census debate is getting too politicized. Instead of finger-pointing, all parties should focus on actual development work for marginalized communities. The poor don't care about surveys, they need jobs and education!
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Priya M.
As a Dalit woman, I welcome any data that helps understand ground realities better. But implementation is key - hope this doesn't become another political tool 🤞
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Sanjay T.
The BJP's concerns about outdated data are valid. If we're making policy decisions, we need current statistics. But calling it a "divide and rule" tactic seems like political rhetoric too.
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Ananya R.
Why is everything about vote banks these days? Can't our leaders think beyond elections? This constant Hindu-Muslim narrative is exhausting 😓
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Vikram J.
The Lingayat issue keeps coming up every election cycle. Politicians need to stop playing with people's religious sentiments for votes. Focus on governance please!
M
Meena P.
As a Muslim, I find the minority status discussion concerning. Population size doesn't automatically mean privilege - look at socioeconomic indicators before making such statements.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
Karnataka Politics Siddaramaiah B.Y. Vijayendra Caste Census BJP Congress Minority Politics
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