Amid growing discussions over the socio-economic survey in Karnataka, Janata Dal (Secular) Karnataka Youth President Nikhil Kumaraswamy on Saturday called the caste census "a political conspiracy" and stated that the survey, which has been ongoing since 2015, lacks a "scientific approach."
After Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's requested to enact the Rohith Vemula Act in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the state government stands firm in its resolve to enact the Act in the state and will bring the legislation at the earliest.
Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi wrote to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and urged the state government to enact the Rohith Vemula Act to ensure that no one faces caste-based discrimination in the education system.
The special cabinet meeting on the Socio-Economic Survey concluded on Thursday, and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asked ministers to submit their concerns in writing.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday launched a scathing attack against the central government's recent hike in petrol and LPG prices and also against the ED's chargesheet filed against party leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
On Channagiri MLA's call for Lingayat legislators to resign over the caste census issue, Siddaramaiah said a special cabinet meeting has been scheduled for April 17 to discuss the socio-economic survey.
This comes after the Lokayukta officers reportedly submitted the 'B Report' in the investigation against Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah. The investigation into the other accused is still ongoing. The court has instructed the police to continue the investigation and submit a final report.
Narayanaswamy questioned the motive behind providing reservations based on religion. He said, "Giving facilities to anyone is allowed under the Constitution, but giving reservations based on religion is not allowed. It is a wrong notion..."
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy accused CM Siddaramaiah of using the caste census to deflect attention from governance failures. He alleged that Congress was exploiting castes for political gains amid public discontent over corruption, price hikes, and failed guarantees.