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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Punjab CM Mann meets President Murmu, seeks cancellation of membership of 6 RS members
Chandigarh (PTI): Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday met President Droupadi Murmu, demanding the termination of the membership of six Rajya Sabha MPs from Punjab who defected to the BJP and also pressed for the introduction of a constitutional provision allowing for the recall of members.
Accompanied by party MLAs and ministers, Mann visited Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi.
This meeting followed a significant setback for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on April 24, when seven of its 10 Rajya Sabha MPs -- Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal, Sandeep Pathak, Harbhajan Singh, Rajendra Gupta, Vikramjit Sahney and Swati Maliwal -- quit and merged with the BJP, alleging that the party had strayed from its principles, values and core morals. Six of the seven MPs who left AAP hailed from Punjab.
After he met with the President, Mann addressed the media here, describing the departure of the seven MPs as a "murder" of the Constitution. He stated, "Seven MPs merging with another party is completely unconstitutional. I spoke to Rashtrapati ji in detail."
Mann pointed out that he told the President that the BJP holds only two MLA seats (in Punjab), yet now has six MPs in the Rajya Sabha. He questioned, "How can this be possible? Isn't it a mockery of the Constitution?
"If they are such revolutionaries at heart, then they should have resigned from their six seats. The AAP could have sent someone else," Mann said, taking a swipe at them.
He emphasised the need for a recall provision in the Constitution, referencing MP Raghav Chadha's previous demands for such a measure when members fail to meet public expectations.
"Have you lived up to the expectations of the people?" Mann challenged the MPs during his statement.
Mann also presented a letter to the President, signed by all AAP MLAs. He differentiated between the terms 'elected' and 'selected,' stating, "They were 'selected.' Therefore, their membership should be cancelled."
The President assured Mann that she would consult constitutional experts before responding.
Earlier in the day, Mann, along with party MLAs, departed for Delhi from Chandigarh.
Speaking to reporters in Chandigarh, Mann affirmed that all AAP MLAs stand united with the party. "Only I have been given time for the meeting," Mann said.
"The President is the guardian of the Constitution. She is the constitutional head of the country," he added.
Later in a post on X in Hindi, Mann said, "Our struggle to protect Punjab's rights and interests continues. Today, along with all AAP MLAs, I have left to discuss Punjab's burning issues and present the state's strong voice before the President.
As your public servant, our government remains fully committed to Punjab's prosperity and the safeguarding of the rights of every section of society."
The MLAs and ministers gathered at the chief minister's residence in the morning before heading to Delhi, carrying placards that read 'Punjab Mann De Naal' and 'Punjab's Traitors.'
The legislators left for Delhi in buses.
Mann had previously sought an appointment with the President to meet with party MLAs and demand the "recall" of the Rajya Sabha MPs who defected to the BJP. However, only Mann was given a time slot for the meeting.
