Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister and Congress Committee President, D.K. Shivakumar, firmly dismissed the BJP’s claims that the current Congress government is using the socio-educational survey to encourage religious conversions. He emphasized that the survey’s true purpose is to deliver justice to socially and educationally backward communities.
“Our government’s focus is on uniting people, while the BJP appears to be actively dividing them,” Mr. Shivakumar stated to reporters in Delhi. He clarified that the survey was initiated based on requests from various communities who felt they were inaccurately represented in previous counts. “The entire state administration is committed to ensuring every community receives fair opportunities,” he added.
Shivakumar announced that the survey would run statewide from September 22 to October 7, with school teachers assisting officials during their holiday period by visiting homes. “There’s no reason for anyone to be suspicious. Our teachers are trustworthy. This survey is specifically designed to support backward classes. It’s crucial for every community, regardless of economic status, to participate. Even those residing outside the state or internationally can register online, and provisions exist for raising objections, with information accessible via phone. Our ultimate goal is to guarantee justice for all,” he detailed.
Addressing concerns from the Rambhapuri Mutt seer regarding the enumeration of Veerashaiva-Lingayats, the Deputy Chief Minister reiterated that such doubts were unfounded. He explained, “The H. Kantharaj Commission report is now a decade old, which is why a new, comprehensive survey is essential.”
He further dismissed allegations from BJP leaders suggesting the exercise was meant to fragment Hindu society or favor minorities. Mr. Shivakumar labeled these as “politically motivated charges.” He urged them to instead encourage their own communities to participate in the census rather than spreading skepticism, asserting, “We are prepared to provide records to anyone who requests them.”
Before heading to Delhi, Mr. Shivakumar in Bengaluru chose not to comment on the objections raised by Vokkaliga leaders regarding the survey, promising to address them at a later time.
Regarding his trip to Delhi, he clarified that he was meeting with lawyers to discuss the Cauvery and Mekedatu water disputes, which are currently scheduled for court hearings.