Mysuru Member of Parliament, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, has openly challenged the Congress government in Karnataka regarding its swift decision to carry out the Socio Economic and Educational Survey, commonly referred to as the caste census, across the state.
During a press conference held on Sunday, Mr. Yaduveer highlighted that the scheduled commencement of the caste census on September 22 directly clashes with the auspicious Dasara festivities. He pointed out that this period sees a significant number of people traveling and many government officials preoccupied with festival duties. “How can we expect to gather accurate data under such circumstances?” he questioned, also recalling the previous, unsuccessful attempt at a caste census led by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes under Kantharaj, which cost a substantial ₹190 crore and was eventually set aside.
He further pressed the State government to critically evaluate whether embarking on another caste census, estimated at ₹440 crore, is truly essential, especially with the Central government anticipated to undertake a similar national caste survey alongside the general census.
Emphasizing the pressing need for other crucial developmental initiatives, such as repairing the state’s roads and filling potholes, Mr. Yaduveer argued that the state administration should seriously reconsider allocating such a massive sum for a new caste survey.
Moreover, Mr. Yaduveer questioned the appropriateness of the Congress party’s central leadership interfering in the rejection of the previous caste census. He asserted that the people of Karnataka elected the state government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and therefore, any decision regarding the census should rightfully come from the elected state government, not from the party’s central command.
Referencing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s earlier statement about modeling the fresh survey on the Telangana government’s caste census, Mr. Yaduveer expressed skepticism, wondering aloud if the Chief Minister himself lacked confidence in the findings of the caste census conducted during his own previous term.
Mr. Yaduveer reaffirmed his strong objection to any attempts to create “artificial” sub-castes within the forthcoming survey, noting that he had already brought this concern to the attention of Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot.
He voiced his suspicion that this contentious move might be a strategic effort aimed at creating divisions within the Hindu community.