Caste census aimed at creating divisions: R Ashok slams Siddaramaiah, calls survey politically motivated

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 24 (ANI): Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashok, on Thursday sharply criticised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over the recent caste sub-reservation survey, alleging that the exercise was politically motivated and aimed at creating caste-based divisions.
"Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has conducted a caste census to create a divide between castes. If a new census is being conducted now, it implies the previous one was fake," said LoP Ashok, criticising the move.
He claimed that the latest sub-reservation survey, conducted in just 15 days, was superficial and carried out merely as a formality, unlike the previous caste census conducted a decade ago.
Speaking to reporters, he said, "CM Siddaramaiah's government conducted the caste sub-reservation survey as a mere formality. The previous caste census was conducted ten years ago, but the recent sub-reservation survey was completed in just 15 days. Surveys conducted by the central government are widely accepted, whereas those conducted by the state government hold no value."
He accused CM Siddaramaiah of scheming to create a divide between castes for political gains.
He said, "If the Congress government plans to conduct another caste census, it means the previous one was fraudulent, which has caused embarrassment to the government."
He suggested that the state government should cooperate with the central government's census efforts.
"The state government should guide everyone, but leaders from its own party disrupt Parliament over every issue. State matters should be discussed in Parliament, and all MPs from his party would raise concerns regarding the state's land and water issues," he said.
He welcomed the punishment announced in the DJ Halli and KG Halli riot case, noting that the incident of an MLA's house being set on fire is still vivid.
"Many involved, including those associated with PFI and supporters of Pakistan, should face stringent punishment," he demanded.
"When he was the Transport Minister, he had fulfilled the demands of transport employees, and the current government should also address their grievances," he said, assuring his support. He condemned the killing of BJP workers in Andhra Pradesh and urged the government there to provide protection to BJP workers.
He alleged that Congress is engaging in looting through the purchase of smart meters and demanded an investigation to uncover the truth. He vowed to fight for justice for the people in this matter. (ANI)