DK Shivakumar clarifies stand on caste census after Kharge’s criticism in Rajya Sabha
Belgaum: Deputy Chief Minister (DCM) D.K. Shivakumar addressed the media near Suvarnasoudha in Belgaum on Tuesday, clarifying his position on the caste census and dismissing reports of opposition. In response to questions about his stance and comments made by AICC President Mallikarjuna Kharge, Shivakumar emphasized that he had never expressed opposition to the caste census.
Kharge, on Monday had criticised DK Shivakumar for his stance on caste census asserting "All upper caste people are united on this. He [Shivakumar] is also opposing, you [BJP] are also opposing. Both are one in this issue. This is the character of caste. Upper caste people will be united internally."
Shivakumar clarified, "Our opinion is that the caste census survey should be done scientifically and systematically." Shivakumar explained that concerns had been raised by several MLAs regarding the proper conduct of the caste census survey. Complaints were received about the lack of a thorough house-to-house survey, leading to questions about the scientific validity of the process, added.
ALSO READ: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticizes DK Shivakumar's stand on caste census
"We believe in social and economic surveys. I stand by the Congress party's commitment to providing social justice to all sections of society," Shivakumar affirmed. Responding to reports of missing caste census records, he mentioned that the information received from Jayaprakash Hegde indicated that the report in question lacked the necessary signatures of secretaries, raising doubts about its validity.
When asked if Kumaraswamy's statement that influential ministers will join the BJP along with 50-60 MLAs after the Lok Sabha elections was aimed at him, he said, "I am a Congressman by birth. I am not crazy to go to another party. I have my own basic ideals and great faith in the Gandhi family and the Congress party."
"I am not responsible for anything they say. Let them say something and turn around; I will not worry about it." he further added.
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Fan tries to die by suicide over Nikhil Kumaraswamy's bypoll loss
Bengaluru: Channapatna JD(S) candidate Nikhil Kumaraswamy, who lost the byelection to C.P. Yogeshwar of Congress, on Sunday consoled a fan who reportedly attempted to end his life and requested him not to repeat such acts.
Manjunath, fondly called Abhi, had even penned a letter before taking the dangerous step. Nikhil, who called on Manjunath at the latter’s home in Kudloor in Channapatna, expressed shock and sadness over the incident.
Nikhil Kumaraswamy reassured Manjunath, expressing his support during the difficult time. He told him that he was deeply troubled to learn of this incident and emphasised that he would stand by him. Nikhil also promised to offer assistance in any way he could, including helping him secure employment opportunities in the future, as reported by the Deccan Herald.
He also reminded Manjunath of the importance of his children’s well-being, urging him to focus on their future. “Please, look at the faces of your growing children. Even I have a three-year-old son. The children are young, let us take care of their future also. I will arrange some job opportunities for you. I might not be an MLA but this is a challenge. I will get you employed,” he said.
Nikhil told media persons that he is extremely hurt more by Manjunath’s attempt to die than by his loss in the election. “At 7:30 a.m., we got a message that in Valetoopu, Manjunath had consumed poison yesterday. In Channapatna, our workers and leaders have built this party with zeal. Let the admiration be there in your hearts but if it crosses the line, your families get hurt and we get very pained by it,” he was quoted as saying by the publication.
Speaking of his byelection loss, Nikhil reiterated that the JD(S) had got its traditional votes, but that the votes of a particular community went against the party.
“Deve Gowda gave reservation to a community. We tried our last attempt to take that community into confidence. But they conveyed to us that they do not require us. In future, we will take other communities into confidence,” he remarked in a veiled reference to Muslims.
Nikhil lost the election by a margin of 25,413 votes to Congress candidate C.P. Yogeshwar.
