Former Karnataka CM Bommai insists on public debate over caste census report

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has urged the state government to clarify whether the received socio-economic and education survey report, commonly known as the caste census report, was the Kantharaj report or Jayprakash Hegde report. He emphasized the need for a public debate on the report, stating that the order to the Backward Classes Commission Chairman Kantharaj was not for the caste census.

According to Bommai, due to the polls at the time, the then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had refused to accept the caste census report. He highlighted that there were pending petitions before the Supreme Court regarding who should conduct the caste census. Bommai also pointed out discrepancies in the current report, where sub-castes were separated from main castes, calling for the state government to clarify its stance and ensure justice is done based on the population.

In response, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accepted the controversial caste census report, a move that is expected to spark controversy in the state ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Chairman of the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, K. Jayaprakash Hegde, submitted the report to the Chief Minister at his office, further fueling the debate surrounding the issue.

The BJP weighed in on the matter, stating that while they are not against the backward classes, the report should not be politicized in the upcoming election. The call for a public debate on the report reflects the growing concerns and discussions surrounding the caste census in Karnataka. The decision to accept the report raises questions about its implications and potential impact on the political landscape in the state.