Centre has announced caste census, why waste public money again? Asks Nikhil Kumaraswamy
Bengaluru: JDS youth wing president Nikhil Kumaraswamy has strongly opposed the state government's move to conduct a fresh caste census, questioning the necessity of it when the central government has already announced its own caste-based survey. He alleged that the state government's move is politically motivated and meant for its own electoral gains.
Speaking to media persons at the JDS party office, JP Bhavan, Nikhil said, “The state government has already spent around Rs 180 crore on the earlier caste census. Now, if they plan to conduct it again, it will result in more public money being wasted. Even after spending so much, they haven’t managed to do it properly.”
He accused the government of trying to push a political agenda through the caste census. “This is not about social or economic development of any community. It’s all about political gains. The government wants to uplift a few communities while suppressing others. That’s the real reason behind this move,” Nikhil alleged.
He further said, “Why should the state conduct another caste census when the Union government has already declared one? The purpose behind this exercise is suspicious. It raises questions about the government’s intentions.”
“The truth is, no real development—social or economic—is taking place. Only politics is being done in the name of caste. The government is trying to implement its political agenda under the pretext of caste census,” he remarked.
On the issue of financial constraints faced by the state, Nikhil Kumaraswamy advised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly. “If the state is facing a funds crunch, the CM should sit down with the Prime Minister and discuss it, instead of announcing projects for political benefits,” he said.
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Shivakumar opposes ‘One Nation One Election’, calls it ‘unworkable’
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday strongly opposed the central government’s proposed ‘One Nation One Election’ initiative.
Shivakumar expressed his views at a dialogue on ‘One Nation One Election’ organised by the Joint Parliamentary Study Committee.
He said the plan is a politically motivated, power-centralising scheme that would seriously damage India’s federal structure by weakening states and poses a threat to the democratic system, according to a statement from his office.
As KPCC president and deputy CM of Karnataka, he categorically rejected the proposal, stating that it is being crafted to suit the convenience of those in power at the Centre.
Shivakumar said that the Karnataka Legislative Assembly had already passed a resolution opposing ‘One Nation One Election’ and read out the resolution at the meeting.
He firmly stated that it is “not a workable plan” and added that it is “practically impossible.”
“If a government falls midterm due to political instability, a no-confidence motion, or loss of majority, what is the solution?” he asked.
“Elections are held at different times in different states for different terms. Karnataka had its election in 2023, while Tamil Nadu and Kerala had theirs in 2021, and Punjab and Telangana in 2022 and 2023, respectively. How can these elections with varying schedules be synchronised?” he asked.
He added that the proposal is a ploy to suppress the voices of regional and Opposition parties.
He also said the Karnataka government does not agree with the proposal and remains committed to the position of the Congress party’s national leadership.
