Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah to Hold Meeting on Fate of Caste Survey Amid Rising Objections

The future of Karnataka’s Social and Educational Survey, widely referred to as the caste census, remains uncertain as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is set to lead a high-level meeting today to decide its course. The survey, originally scheduled from September 22 to October 7, is estimated to cost Rs 420 crore.

Objections from ministers and various communities have created a debate over the caste list prepared for the survey. During Thursday’s Cabinet discussions, some ministers raised concerns over certain classifications, including dual identities like ‘Kuruba Christian’, ‘Brahmin Christian’, and ‘Vokkaliga Christian’. These ministers cautioned that such nomenclatures could be misused to influence religious conversions or alter quota allocations for other OBC communities.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated, “We have discussed how some people and BJP are misusing the situation. The Backward Class Commission, within the framework of law, has made a list taking public opinion into account. This survey is being done to provide justice for all.”

The Cabinet also noted concerns from dominant communities, including Veerashaiva-Lingayats and Vokkaligas, over identifying as a separate religion rather than as Hindus. Some ministers suggested postponing the survey until these issues are clarified, while others warned that a delay could send the wrong signal.

The BJP has urged caution, recommending consultations with representatives of all castes and an all-party discussion before proceeding. State BJP General Secretary Sunil Kumar questioned the need for a state-level survey when the national census has already announced caste enumeration. He alleged the survey may have political motivations amid internal Congress disputes.

Today’s high-stakes meeting will determine whether the survey proceeds as planned or is postponed. Previously, the survey was expected to cover nearly 7 crore people across 2 crore households, with 1.85 lakh government teachers involved and 1.55 crore Unique Household ID stickers already affixed.

With objections mounting from key ministers and opposition parties, attention is now focused on the outcome of Siddaramaiah’s deliberations.