Karnataka caste survey is model of how not to conduct census: R. Ashoka
Bengaluru: Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, R. Ashoka, has strongly criticised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s statement suggesting that the Karnataka caste survey should serve as a model for national implementation.
Sharing his views on social media platform X, Ashoka called the Karnataka caste survey a “laughable model” and highlighted several flaws: the original copy is reportedly missing, the survey lacks proper official signatures, schoolchildren were allegedly paid Rs 5–10 per page to fill out forms, and surveyors skipped houses with dogs. He said the survey, even after ten years, exemplifies how *not* to conduct a caste census.
He refuted the claim that the BJP has always opposed caste census, calling it a “blatant lie.” Ashoka pointed out that in 2010, the then Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, the late Sushma Swaraj, had formally conveyed to the UPA government BJP’s support for including caste enumeration in the 2011 census. He also reminded that BJP supported the unanimous resolution passed in Parliament at the time.
However, he criticised the then Congress-led government for replacing the caste census with the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC), which he claimed failed due to poor planning and ineffective implementation, despite the massive public expenditure involved. He noted that the results of that survey were never released, which, according to him, shows Congress’s lack of genuine commitment to caste-based data.
Ashoka emphasised that the BJP never used caste census as an electoral weapon. “Unlike Congress, which weeps in opposition but ignores the issue in power, BJP made concrete efforts while in office,” he said, adding that BJP’s stand has always been clear, caste census must not be politicised or misused.
He concluded by stating that the upcoming caste census planned by the central government will be conducted transparently, scientifically, and with sincerity, unlike the politically motivated approach of the Karnataka government.
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BJP MLA Harish Poonja booked for making 'provocative speech' at temple event in Karnataka
Mangaluru (Karnataka), May 4 (PTI): A case has been registered against BJP MLA Harish Poonja for allegedly making a provocative speech during the Brahmakalashotsava (consecration ceremony) at the Gopalakrishna Temple in Thekkaru village in Dakshina Kannada district.
According to the police, complainant Ibrahim S B has alleged that Punja made derogatory remarks against the Muslim community and allegedly attempted to incite communal hatred through his speech.
The speech in question was reportedly delivered in the presence of a gathering during the religious event.
The complaint stated that the content of the speech could sow discord between religious communities and disturb communal harmony in the region.
Based on the complaint, the police have registered a case under sections 196 and 352(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the new Indian criminal code that recently replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
