Caste census: Cong govt trying to divide Hindu society, it's 'unfortunate', says BJP
Shivamogga (PTI): With the Social and Education Survey, popularly known as 'caste census' commencing in Karnataka on Monday, state BJP President B Y Vijayendra accused the Congress government and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of trying to divide the Hindu society, and called it "unfortunate".
He termed the caste census as the "misadventure" of the state government, despite it not having any powers to conduct such a survey.
"The caste census has reached the High Court...the chief minister, who should be thinking about the development of the state, is involving himself in attempts to divide the Hindu society. This is an unfortunate thing for the state," Vijayendra said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, "People are discussing it. People and society have become aware now, but there is a need for Hindu society to become more aware. This misadventure of the state government, despite them not having any powers to do the cast census is condemnable. We will see what happens at the court."
The survey by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes that will go on till October 7, will see as many as 1.75 lakh enumerators, mostly government school teachers, covering around 7 crore people in approximately 2 crore households across the state.
The survey, at an estimated cost of Rs 420 crore, will be conducted "scientifically," with a 60-question questionnaire prepared for the exercise, according to officials.
Regarding International Booker Prize winner writer Banu Mushtaq inaugurating Mysuru Dasara, despite objections, Vijayendra said, this shows the mindset of CM Siddaramaiah and the Congress government.
"There have been enough discussions on this issue for the last one month. A petition challenging this has been rejected at the Supreme Court. More than what has happened in the High Court and Supreme Court, the chief minister wanting to play a mad game even in connection with Dasara festival is something people are discussing," he said.
The famous Mysuru Dasara was inaugurated on Monday amid controversy, with objections from some sections, against the government's decision to invite Mushtaq to inaugurate the festival.
Pointing to the government's attitude in connection with the Dharmasthala issue, Ganesha festival celebrations and Mysuru Dasara, the BJP chief said, nowhere such issues are happening in the country.
On matters concerning Hindus, their religious celebrations, culture and traditions, there is no problem in other states. Problems are occuring in Karnataka because the chief minister of the state is giving an opportunity for it. Let anyone inaugurate Dasara, but the people of the state have understood the mindset of this government and the CM, he said.
The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea challenging the Karnataka High Court's decision upholding the state government's invitation to Mushtaq to inaugurate Dasara.
The controversy surrounding the government's decision to invite Mushtaq to inaugurate Dasara, stems from allegations that she has made statements in the past that are perceived by some as "anti-Hindu" and "anti Kannada".
Critics have argued that her selection for the festival, which traditionally begins with Vedic rituals and floral offerings to Goddess Chamundeshwari, disrespects religious sentiments and long-standing traditions associated with the event.
Objections have been raised by BJP leaders and others to the state government's decision to invite Mushtaq to inaugurate the Dasara festivities, following an old video that went viral, in which she has reportedly expressed reservations about worshipping the Kannada language as "Goddess Bhuvaneshwari", stating that it was exclusionary to people like her (minorities).
However, Mushtaq, on her part, has said that her statement has been distorted by making selective parts of her old speech go viral on social media.
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Budget 2026 lacks policy vision, offers no solutions: Kharge
New Delhi (PTI): Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday said the Modi government has run out of ideas, and the Union Budget for 2026-27 does not provide any single solution to India's many economic, social and political challenges.
In a post on X, he said there is no policy vision or political will, and this Budget offers no solutions and not even slogans to hide the absence of policy.
"The Modi Government has run out of ideas. #Budget2026 does not provide a single solution to India's many economic, social, and political challenges.
"'Mission Mode' is now 'Challenge Route'. Reform Express rarely stops at any "Reform" Junction. Net result: NO policy vision, NO political will," he said in his post.
Kharge said farmers still await meaningful welfare support or an income security plan.
"Inequality has surpassed the levels seen under the British Raj, but the Budget does not even mention it or provide any support to SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and Minority communities.
"The Finance Commission's recommendations will have to be studied more, but they do not appear to provide any relief to State Governments which are under severe financial stress. Federalism has become a casualty," he said.
"This Budget offers no solutions, NOT even slogans to hide the absence of policy!," the Congress chief said.
In her speech, Sitharaman announced that the target for capex will be raised to Rs 12.2 lakh crore for FY27 from Rs 11.2 lakh crore earmarked for the current fiscal year.
She also announced a slew of measures to boost infrastructure in the country, including in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
The budget came in the backdrop of global uncertainties, trade frictions and US tariffs and slowdown in exports.
With Union Budget 2026, Nirmala Sitharaman created history as she presented her ninth consecutive Budget and became the longest-serving finance minister.
