Daijiworld Media Network - Kalaburagi

Kalaburagi, Apr 16: Chief minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday assured that the Karnataka government will not allow any community to be wronged or sidelined in the name of the caste census, reiterating that the survey was conducted purely on socio-economic grounds.

Addressing reporters at Kalaburagi airport, the chief minister said that a special cabinet meeting has been convened on Thursday, April 17, to discuss the caste census report submitted by the Backward Classes Commission.

"Some MLAs have expressed their concerns. The cabinet will deliberate on the matter in detail and a decision will be taken accordingly," he said, responding to a query about Channagiri MLA Basavaraju V Shivaganga’s recent remarks urging Lingayat MLAs to resign in protest against the caste census.

"The survey is not just about caste; it is a socio-economic study. We will ensure no injustice is done to any group," Siddaramaiah clarified.

The caste census, which has stirred political debate across Karnataka, has reportedly pegged the Muslim population at 18.08 percent and recommended 8 percent reservation for the community. Several communities, including Lingayats and Vokkaligas, have raised objections to the findings, with the Karnataka Vokkaliga Association recently announcing its opposition to the report.

On a different note, the chief minister hit out at the BJP over the charge sheet filed in the National Herald case.

"The National Herald wasn’t launched yesterday. Targeting Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi by seizing their properties and dragging them into legal cases is nothing but political revenge," he said.

Deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar also defended the Gandhi family, stating, "The property belongs to the Congress party. There is no personal gain involved. The BJP is misusing its power."

When asked about the shocking incident in Davangere where a woman was assaulted in public over alleged infidelity, the chief minister said, "Whoever is responsible, regardless of their influence or position, strict legal action will be taken."

He further added that the state government is prioritising employment for the youth, and multiple job fairs are being organised to address the issue of unemployment.

“A divisional-level job fair is being held in Kalaburagi today. Similar job fairs are being conducted in Mysuru and Hubballi-Dharwad. We have also launched the Yuva Nidhi scheme to support the unemployed,” Siddaramaiah said.