Karnataka BC Commission slams BJP leaders for 'discouraging' participation in caste survey
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Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes on Monday criticised opposition BJP leaders for "discouraging" public participation in the ongoing social and educational survey, popularly known as the caste survey.
The survey, launched on September 22, will continue until October 7.
Commission Chairperson Madhusudan Naik said dissuading people from participating is "not in the larger public interest".
"In our view, certain people’s representatives have made public statements, reported in newspapers and other media, stating they will not participate in the survey and urging the public to follow suit," Naik said in a statement.
"Such statements, purportedly referring to the Hon’ble Court’s order, are against the spirit of that order," he added.
Naik explained that the survey aims "to collect information on the social and educational conditions of all families in the State, for formulating schemes and implementing developmental programmes for their welfare and advancement in accordance with statutory provisions."
"However, the public statements referred to above amount to dissuading people from taking part in the survey, which is undertaken for the public good. Since citizens are voluntarily participating, and there is no compulsion, such statements are not in the larger public interest," Naik added.
He appealed to political leaders to avoid such remarks "lest a wrong message is conveyed to the public".
Naik also clarified that participation "is voluntary and citizens are not obliged to disclose any information."
The Karnataka High Court had directed that if a person declines to participate, enumerators should not "persuade or pressurise them."
Meanwhile, Bengaluru Urban District Deputy Commissioner G Jagadeesha appealed to residents not to "fall for rumours" about the survey.
"The social and educational survey is being conducted effectively throughout Bengaluru Urban District. However, some residents hesitate to register their information due to rumours that their ration cards will be cancelled," he said in a statement.
"No ration cards will be cancelled during the survey. The collected data will be instrumental in formulating schemes to address social, educational, and economic inequalities across the state," he added.
Jagadeesha urged people to participate in the survey "without inhibition or fear".
On Sunday, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi expressed apprehension that Karnataka’s caste survey data "could be sold", questioning the intentions behind the exercise.
He alleged that "many unwanted details" are being collected, including income, income tax paid, widows at home, caste discrimination faced, and membership in social organisations.
Joshi said neither he nor his family would provide information to enumerators.
The BJP has opposed the caste survey, calling it "divisive" and objecting to the inclusion of categories such as ‘Vokkaliga Christians’, ‘Lingayat Christians’, ‘Vishwa Brahmin Christians’, ‘Nekara Christians’ and ‘Madivala Christians’. Following opposition from both the BJP and some Congress leaders, these categories were dropped from the survey.
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Have no personal involvement in Cong’s action against some minority leaders: Shivakumar
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday said he has no personal involvement in action taken against certain Congress leaders from the minority community following allegations of an internal conspiracy during the recently held Davanagere South bypolls.
He clarified that the decisions were taken by the party high command based on available reports.
Asserting that party discipline is of utmost importance, Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, sought to downplay concerns that action against minority leaders may send the message that “Muslims are being targeted.”
“I don’t have any personal involvement in this. Whatever decisions are taken are made by the party leadership. The party has its own reports. Decisions regarding MLAs or MLCs cannot be taken at the state level without instructions from Delhi,” he said.
Speaking to reporters, he added, “People may blame me; I am not concerned. Everyone must function in accordance with party discipline.”
Responding to concerns within sections of the party that recent actions may convey the impression that minority leaders are being targeted, he said the Congress exists for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minorities, backward classes, farmers, and all sections of society.
The Congress has suspended MLC K Abdul Jabbar from primary membership and relieved another MLC, Naseer Ahmed, from the post of Chief Minister’s political secretary.
The action followed allegations by a group of Muslim leaders that certain party members conspired to defeat the official candidate in Davanagere South.
Following the action, speculation has emerged that Housing Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan may also face disciplinary measures during the next cabinet reshuffle.
The three leaders had reportedly sought a Muslim candidate for the Davanagere South bypoll ticket, which the party instead allotted to the late MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa’s grandson, Samarth Mallikarjun.
They were also said to have not actively participated in the campaign.
Shivakumar also rejected claims of factionalism within the ruling party amid speculation that leaders close to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah were being targeted.
Naseer Ahmed and Zameer Ahmed Khan are considered close to the CM.
Rejecting allegations of factionalism within the party, Shivakumar said, “We speak to each other every day. It is the media that creates divisions. Where is my faction? Has anyone put up a board saying they belong to the Siddaramaiah faction? Have I put up any such board?”
“All 139 legislators are my people, and they are all Siddaramaiah’s people as well. Everyone belongs to the Congress,” he added, saying there are no factions within the party and that such claims are media-driven.
Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Satish Jarkiholi met Shivakumar on Friday, a day after expressing concerns that disciplinary action against minority leaders may send the wrong message.
Shivakumar said he discussed with Jarkiholi the need to decongest Bengaluru traffic by diverting vehicles entering the city from state and national highways, along with party-related issues.
“We also discussed political matters in the interest of the party and the need to work together,” he said.
Later, speaking to reporters, Jarkiholi said he discussed with Shivakumar the issue of withdrawing Jabbar’s suspension. He said he will also visit New Delhi next week to meet the high command and discuss state developments.
“Jabbar’s suspension was discussed (with Shivakumar). It should be withdrawn. Let’s issue him a notice and allow him to reply. Then let’s send the report to the high command and seek their approval. High command approval is necessary because the instructions came from there. It may take some time,” he said.
Stating that he met the KPCC chief for “damage control,” the minister said, “We have tried to convince him. Sometimes certain decisions happen that need rectification.”
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