Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 21: Home minister G Parameshwara on Monday, April 21 criticised the BJP and JD(S) for making what he called baseless and misleading allegations regarding the caste census report, stating that such comments serve no constructive purpose.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Parameshwara said that the Opposition had taken a stance of opposing everything for the sake of criticism. “We keep telling them not to make pointless allegations, yet they continue to attack the caste census report,” he said.
Responding to leader of the opposition R Ashoka’s claim that the original copy of the caste census report had gone missing, Parameshwara dismissed the allegation outright. “How is it possible for the original copy to go missing? It should be with the commissionerate,” he said.
On reports that Jayaprakash Hegde, chairperson of the Backward Classes Commission, had acknowledged that the original report could not be traced, the minister said he was unaware of any such statement and maintained that the report must still be in official custody.
When questioned about the BJP’s demand for a judicial probe and allegations of financial irregularities in the conduct of the census, Parameshwara said the issue would be deliberated in the Cabinet.
Explaining the context behind the caste census, he said the state government had earlier formed nearly 10 committees to ensure justice for backward classes. “While sample data had been collected in the past, this is the first time comprehensive data has been gathered. That is what makes this report significant,” he said.
He added that the census examines multiple dimensions including social, economic, and educational indicators of various communities, and any perceived discrepancies must be addressed through proper discussions. “That process has now begun in the Cabinet,” he said.
Parameshwara noted that several ministers had raised concerns pertaining to their communities during the special Cabinet meeting. “The Chief Minister has deferred a decision to allow further discussion. A final decision will be made after all opinions are taken into account,” he said.
He also pointed out that differences of opinion exist even within the BJP and JD(S), noting that some MLAs from those parties had supported the caste census. “Some people support it, some don’t agree with the process,” he said.
On Sunday, opposition leader R Ashoka had alleged that the Siddaramaiah-led government was releasing a fake version of the caste census. Quoting a letter allegedly written by Jayaprakash Hegde, he claimed that the original report was not traceable. He further accused the government of focusing on divisive issues like the caste census at a time when the state was struggling with poor infrastructure and public health challenges.
“Pregnant women are dying in government hospitals and not a single road has been built. Yet, the government is busy releasing this report without any concern for the state’s development,” Ashoka alleged.