Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Unleashes Scathing Rebuke on BJP Over Caste Survey Boycott Call

In a fiery political showdown, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has launched a blistering attack on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, accusing them of being 'anti-backward classes' for their calls to boycott the state's crucial caste survey. The Chief Minister did not mince words, directly challenging the BJP's stance and highlighting the survey's pivotal role in ensuring social justice and equitable development across Karnataka.

Siddaramaiah's sharp rebuke came in response to senior BJP figures, including former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, R Ashok, Nalin Kumar Kateel, and Somashekar, who have vociferously urged citizens to shun the ongoing 'Social and Educational Survey' being conducted by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes (KSCBC).

The BJP leaders claim the survey is unscientific, lacks transparency, and is a thinly veiled attempt by the Congress government to manipulate data for political gains, potentially targeting specific communities.

However, Siddaramaiah vehemently countered these allegations, reminding the BJP of their own historical support for such initiatives.

He pointed out the apparent hypocrisy, stating that a similar survey was actually initiated during Yediyurappa’s tenure as Chief Minister. “Why didn't they boycott it then? Why this double standard now?” the CM questioned, emphasizing that the BJP's current opposition smacks of an anti-poor and anti-backward classes agenda.

The Chief Minister underscored the fundamental importance of the survey, explaining that its purpose is to gather comprehensive data on the social, economic, and educational conditions of various communities.

This critical information, he argued, is indispensable for formulating effective policies that address disparities and ensure the fair distribution of resources, ultimately fostering a more inclusive society. He also highlighted that the High Court itself had directed the government to complete the survey, adding legal weight to its necessity.

The KSCBC's survey has stirred significant controversy, with several prominent community leaders from the Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities also expressing reservations and urging a boycott.

Former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy of the JD(S) has also weighed in, questioning the survey's methodology and intent. Yet, Siddaramaiah remains steadfast, asserting that the survey is a progressive step towards understanding and rectifying historical injustices, and that obstructing it is a disservice to the state's most vulnerable populations.