Dy CM DKS clarifies stance on caste census amid 'potshots' by Kharge

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: After Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge took potshots at his Karnataka colleague and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar for opposing the state caste census, Shivakumar responded asserting that he was not opposed ot the census as such and was only critical of the 'unscientific methodology' adopted during the exercise.

The remarks by the two senior Congressmen have exposed the divide in the Congress on this crucial issue. The Congress as a political party, has taken a stand in favour of of the caste censu both at the national level and in Karnataka.

Kharge who belongs to the Dalit community, had in the Rajya Sabha highlighted the alleged opposition from "all upper castes" to the caste census while responding to BJP MP Sushil Kumar Modi's mention of Shivakumar, A Vokkaliga community member, signing a petition against the caste census.

The Lingayats and Vokkaligas, categorised as upper castes in Karnataka, are not in favour of the reported findings of the yet-to-be-released caste census which could adversely affect their quotas and other benefits and favour the Dalits, minorities and OBCs as the numbers are reportedly loaded in their favour.

According to Shivakumar,all he wants is a proper and scientifically conducted census that confers rights to communities based on their population.

The Deputy CM has also questioned the validity of the 'unsigned' caste census report. The Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes has until January 31, 2024, to submit the report and its findings.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is under immense pressure to release the census findings particularly from the backward classes, Dalits and minorities as it could radically alter the caste-based quota matrix in Karnataka.