Union Minister and prominent BJP leader Pralhad Joshi launched a scathing attack on the Karnataka government’s recent caste survey in Hubballi on Sunday. He firmly stated that the survey holds no legal validity and is merely a political maneuver by the Congress party aimed at creating divisions within the Hindu community.
Joshi emphasized that constitutional rules dictate that only the Union government possesses the authority to conduct any form of census, rendering any state-level exercise without legal standing. He further asserted that the Congress government’s true intention behind this survey is not societal welfare, but rather a calculated plot to fragment Hindu society.
Reflecting on history, the Union Minister claimed that the concept of untouchability was not inherent to Hinduism but emerged during a ‘bad phase,’ leading to social inequality where certain individuals were ostracized. He reminded reporters that the system of reservation was originally established to address these historical injustices and ensure social equality for those who suffered from untouchability.
However, Joshi accused successive Congress governments of distorting the original intent of reservations. He alleged that the party is continually expanding the scope of reservations by including more communities through such surveys, and is even attempting to extend these benefits to religious converts.
He challenged the Chief Minister and other state ministers, questioning their apparent ignorance regarding the absence of constitutional provisions for reservations for converts.
Joshi highlighted that the state government has controversially created 40 new caste classifications, citing examples like ‘Kuruba Christians,’ ‘Brahmin Christians,’ and ‘Lingayat Christians.’ He vehemently questioned the legitimacy of inventing such non-existent caste groups, calling it a deliberate conspiracy to fracture Hindu society, supposedly orchestrated under the influence of ‘fake Gandhis.’
Furthermore, he broadened his accusations, claiming this was part of a larger scheme, inspired by Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, to weaken the nation by granting ‘voting rights’ to infiltrators.
Joshi labeled Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as an ‘ultra Leftist,’ pointing out that the state had previously spent ₹400 crore on a similar caste census and was now allocating the same amount again. He predicted that despite the expenditure, the current survey would ultimately fail to gain any recognition or acceptance.
He noted that the survey has already faced considerable opposition, with numerous ministers and leaders, including those from the Vokkaliga community across different political parties, vocally condemning it. Joshi suggested that Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s opposition stems from a realization that the survey could undermine his leadership among the Vokkaligas.
Joshi accused the Congress government of actively supporting and encouraging anti-social elements who disrupt social harmony and incite communal tensions. He went on to characterize the Congress as a party led by fanatical figures who back extremist Muslim groups, asserting that every time the Congress assumes power in Karnataka, there is a clear pattern of appeasing the Muslim community.
Citing an example, Joshi criticized the state government for taking action against individuals who threatened to demolish mosques, yet allegedly failing to act against those who made similar threats against Dharmasthala, highlighting a perceived double standard.