Opposition Leader Criticizes Karnataka CM Over Caste-Based Survey
R. Ashok, the opposition leader in Karnataka, has launched a fierce critique against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah regarding a recent caste-based survey. He claims the survey is politically motivated and aims to create divisions among communities. Ashok argues that the rushed nature of the survey undermines its credibility, contrasting it with a more thorough census conducted a decade ago. He also calls for collaboration with the central government's census efforts and emphasizes the need for discussions on state issues in Parliament. Additionally, he addresses the need for justice in recent riot cases and the safety of BJP workers in Andhra Pradesh. This article delves into the political implications of the caste survey and the opposition's stance.
| Jul 24, 2025, 19:28 IST
Opposition's Strong Rebuttal to Caste Survey
On Thursday, R. Ashok, the leader of the opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, sharply criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah regarding the recent caste-based sub-reservation survey. He accused the CM of conducting this survey for political gain, claiming it aims to create divisions based on caste. Ashok stated that the chief minister has instigated a caste census to sow discord among communities. He emphasized that if a new census is being conducted now, it implies that the previous one was fraudulent.
R. Ashok asserted that the latest sub-reservation survey, completed in just 15 days, was superficial and merely a formality compared to the comprehensive caste census conducted a decade ago. Speaking to reporters, he remarked that the Siddaramaiah government treated the caste sub-reservation survey as a mere formality. While the last caste census occurred ten years ago, the recent survey was rushed through in a mere fortnight. He pointed out that surveys conducted by the central government are widely recognized, whereas those by the state government lack significance.
He accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of plotting to create rifts among castes for political advantage. Ashok remarked, "If the Congress government intends to conduct another caste census, it suggests that the previous census was fraudulent, leading to embarrassment for the government." He recommended that the state government should collaborate with the central government's census efforts, stating, "The state government should guide everyone, but their party leaders disrupt Parliament on every issue. Discussions on state matters should occur in Parliament, and all their MPs should express concerns regarding land and water issues in the state."
Additionally, he welcomed the sentencing in the DJ Halli and KG Halli riot cases, recalling the incident of arson at a legislator's home. He demanded that harsh penalties be imposed on those linked to the PFI and supporters of Pakistan. He assured support, noting that when he was the transport minister, he addressed the demands of transport workers, urging the current government to resolve their grievances. Furthermore, he condemned the murder of BJP workers in Andhra Pradesh and called on the state government to ensure their safety.