State Government using caste census to divert attention from stampede tragedy: BJP Chief Vijayendra

Vartha Bharati | 14-06-2025 | 15:24:00 IST

Karnataka BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra (PTI)

Bengaluru: Karnataka BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra has accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of indulging in “conspiracy politics” by blaming the Centre for the state’s financial and administrative failures.

Speaking to the media on Saturday, Vijayendra said the Chief Minister, while attending the 16th Finance Commission meeting in Delhi, attempted to deflect attention from his government’s inefficiencies by targeting the Union Government. “Although he must be appreciated for representing Karnataka at the meeting, it's unfortunate to see him trying to shift the blame,” Vijayendra said.

He alleged that the state is failing to manage funds for fulfilling its guarantee schemes and is halting developmental work, leading Siddaramaiah to make partial statements such as “Karnataka gets only ₹13 for every ₹100 it gives.” He said the state is not utilising Central grants properly and is even cutting funds for Union Government schemes.

On the issue of caste census, Vijayendra claimed that the Congress-led government is only now talking about it to distract the public from the recent RCB celebration stampede that killed 11 people. “About three months ago, the government faced pressure due to our protests. Siddaramaiah had then promised to implement the Kantharaj Commission report, but even after four or five cabinet meetings, nothing was done,” he said.

He termed the caste census data “unscientific” and said the government was now feigning interest under public pressure. “The Centre has already announced that both population and caste census will be conducted. But the state government has no clarity or commitment on this and is simply trying to create confusion,” he added.

Vijayendra also alleged that a newly formed special squad in Dakshina Kannada district is being used not to curb communal violence, but to target Hindu activists and BJP workers. “We recently visited the district and met with officials. This is nothing but a strategy to intimidate our party workers,” he said.

He concluded by asserting that the Congress government in Karnataka lacks the intent to bring the caste census issue to a logical end and is using it for political gains.

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