Caste census: BJP leaders petition Guv over dual identities
Bengaluru (PTI): A delegation of Karnataka BJP leaders and others on Tuesday petitioned Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot regarding the upcoming social and educational survey, popularly known as "caste census" list, with at least 46 castes that contain dual identities, having both Christian and Hindu caste name.
Highlighting that castes with dual identities like 'Kuruba Christian', 'Brahmin Christian', 'Vokkaliga Christian' among others, may lead to confusion and give opportunity for a large-scale religious conversion, they urged the Governor to intervene and issue necessary instructions to the government.
BJP MPs Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, P C Mohan, party state General Secretary and MLA Sunil Kumar among others were part of the delegation that met the Governor, after holding extensive discussion regarding the caste census issue, under the banner "Samajika Nyaya Jaagruti Vedike".
"The Congress Government is playing with fire instead of strengthening backward communities, this survey risks creating chaos, confusion, and conflict. It is nothing but a politically motivated gimmick at the cost of taxpayers' money," the petition by the delegation said.
"We therefore urge your excellency to kindly intervene in this matter and in your constitutional capacity, advise the Government of Karnataka against proceeding with this flawed and divisive exercise at this juncture. A fool proof, transparent, and credible survey--undertaken in alignment with the Union Government's 2026-27 national exercise -- is the only acceptable way forward."
The BJP stands firmly committed to protecting the interests of all communities in Karnataka, it further said, adding, "we will not allow the Congress Government to misuse the caste survey for political mileage and to divide society."
The state's Social and Educational Survey, popularly known as the 'caste census' will be conducted between September 22 and October 7 at an estimated cost of Rs 420 crore.
Later speaking to reporters, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar said the "artificial inclusion" of 46 sub-castes under the category of Christians like -- Billava Chrisitian, Brahmana-Christian, Vokkaliga-Chrisitian, Jangama-Christian, was "unnecessary".
Stating that it may lead to more confusion, and give opportunity for conversion to happen at a large scale, he said, "This goes against the sentiments of the population at large. The Chief Minister should certainly reconsider these elements, and in the case of the artificial sub-castes which have been given the Christian category, he should permanently remove them and do the survey in a scientific manner."
Noting that a petition has been submitted to the Governor informing him about objections, Wadiyar said, "Within the framework available to the Governor, he said he will be helping our stands."
Asked as to what the BJP's plan of action will be if the government doesn't reconsider, he said, "we have already considered a legal recourse to this matter going forward. Along with that our andolan (agitation) will also continue on the street, and various community organisations will also take this forward."
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Karnataka, France explore deeper ties in AI, aerospace, defence manufacturing
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government and France on Tuesday discussed expanding collaboration to strengthen technology infrastructure and development, artificial intelligence, and defence manufacturing.
Karnataka Information Technology and Biotechnology Minister Priyank Kharge met Anne Le Hénaff, Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs, Government of France, in Bengaluru.
The meeting focused on expanding collaboration in innovation, skilling, AI, aerospace and defence manufacturing, startup ecosystems and digital governance, with both sides expressing strong interest in building long-term, structured partnerships between Karnataka and France, according to a statement issued by Kharge’s office.
France highlighted its growing need for skilled engineers and technology professionals and expressed interest in partnering with Karnataka on structured talent development and skilling in emerging technologies, the statement said.
“The discussions built on the strong foundation of Indo-French collaboration in areas such as aerospace, animation and emerging technologies, including earlier engagements through Centres of Excellence, academic partnerships and startup exchange programmes,” it said.
The two sides also reviewed ongoing engagement with French innovation ecosystems and institutions, including incubation and innovation platforms in Paris.
Kharge outlined Karnataka’s vision to create dedicated innovation, skills and manufacturing corridors with global partners, particularly in the context of the Indo-French Year of Innovation.
He highlighted the state’s proposal to strengthen engagement through the Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) and to establish a physical institutional platform in Karnataka to support French startups, SMEs and MSMEs seeking market access, R&D collaboration and a long-term presence in India.
“A couple of areas where we can move quickly and decisively are skills, innovation and advanced manufacturing. We can work towards a skills corridor focused on emerging technologies, an innovation corridor linking our Centres of Excellence, incubators and research institutions, and a stronger partnership in aerospace and defence supply chains,” Kharge said.
“Bengaluru can be a gateway for French companies entering India, and Paris can be a gateway for our startups entering France and the European Union,” he added.
Hénaff said France’s approach to AI is guided by three priorities: building sustainable AI, ensuring AI serves the public interest, and strengthening the protection of children in the digital world.
“As we deepen our cooperation with Karnataka, we see strong opportunities to work together on responsible, trustworthy and inclusive AI by combining innovation, regulation and public policy to ensure technology benefits society while safeguarding our values,” she said.
