Controversy Surrounds Karnataka's Caste Census Report; Congress and Other Political Parties Call it Unscientific. Ministers from Lingayat and Vokkaliga Communities Prepare to Oppose it in the Next Cabinet Meeting.
Bengaluru, Karnataka: Political tension is rising in Karnataka over the recently released caste census report. The ruling Congress party released the caste-based census report on Friday, sparking b opposition from various communities, particularly the Veerashaiva-Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities. The Vokkaliga Sangha has warned of protests against the government.
What's in the Report?
The report recommends a 51% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), an increase from the current 32%. If implemented, the total reservation in the state would reach 75%, including 17% for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and 7% for Scheduled Tribes (STs).
Reasons for Opposition
Several ministers in the state government and various political parties have termed the report "unscientific" and demanded its rejection. Many MLAs and ministers from the Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities have questioned the report's figures. According to the report, the Lingayat community's population is 6.635 million and the Vokkaliga community's population is 6.158 million.
Strong Reaction from Vokkaliga Sangha
Kenchappa Gowda, president of the Sangha, stated, "If this report is implemented, we will hold large-scale protests." He further clarified that the Vokkaliga community will conduct its own survey and has already prepared the necessary software.
Nelligere Babu, director of the Sangha, issued a b statement saying, "If Chief Minister Siddaramaiah implements this report, the government will fall."
Issue to be Raised in the Next Cabinet Meeting
The state government has called a special cabinet meeting on April 17 to take a final decision on this controversial report. Ministers from the Veerashaiva-Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities will voice their opposition at this meeting.
