MLA Basavaraj Rayareddy urges release of social, economic census report
Koppal: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should get cabinet approval for the Social and Economic Census report this week and implement it by November 1, demanded CM's economic advisor and MLA, Basavaraj Rayareddy.
Speaking near the Ginigera airport in Koppal taluk, Rayareddy said, “Unnecessary issues are being discussed in the state; they should come to an end. Karnataka is a land of social justice and culture, the very ground where Basaveshwara walked.”
Rayareddy mentioned that he had discussed developmental issues with CM Siddaramaiah and recalled the social, educational, and economic survey conducted by the state government between 2013-18, which covered all religions and castes. The survey, headed by Kantharaj, cost ₹165 crore but the report did not reach the then CM Siddaramaiah in time. Subsequent governments under Kumaraswamy and Bommai also did not release it, he said.
Jayaprakash Hegde, appointed to the Permanent Backward Classes Commission, submitted the report to the government on February 29, 2024. “Eight months have passed since the report was handed over, and the CM has expressed his thoughts on it. I have urged Siddaramaiah to release the report, as he cares about the welfare of the underprivileged. I demand that the cabinet approve and implement it from November 1,” Rayareddy emphasized.
He further stated that during a program in Sindhanur, he would urge the CM to announce the implementation of the report. Highlighting the need for updated data on the population of different castes in the state, Rayareddy argued that the current reservation of 50% can be increased to 75%. He noted that the report offers provisions to extend reservation to other marginalized sections and sub-categories if necessary.
Rayareddy called for the implementation of the report to ensure that it benefits the people and addresses social justice concerns in Karnataka.
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Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
