Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 14: Minister for cooperation K N Rajanna on Monday, April 14 clarified that no decision has yet been made regarding the acceptance of the caste census report.
Speaking to reporters in Hassan, Rajanna said that any objections raised over the controversial report would be verified. Reacting to statements by religious leaders opposing the report, he remarked, “From where are the swamijis getting their data?”
He informed that the cabinet will deliberate on the matter during a meeting scheduled for April 17. “The opposition will not agree to whatever we do,” he added.
Meanwhile, home minister G Parameshwara also addressed the ongoing debate over the caste census report in Bengaluru. He stated, “I have started reading the caste census report. So far, I have read three to four pages. There are two to three important aspects. The survey began in 2015, and though completed three years later, it is only now that the report is being brought out.”
Parameshwara noted that it would be premature to comment on the potential impact, policy changes, or programmes arising from the report. “We have been given copies, and ministers have been asked to discuss only this subject on April 17. After the discussion, further decisions will follow. This is just the beginning,” he said.
When asked about the growing opposition, he maintained that opinions would naturally emerge from different communities and leaders. “We will discuss it thoroughly in the cabinet and decide the next steps,” he added.
Meanwhile, the BJP is holding a meeting in Bengaluru to strategize over the caste census report. Prominent organisations like the All India Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha have already declared that they will not accept the report. The influential Vokkaliga community too has voiced its concerns.
The controversial caste census report, submitted by the Backward Classes Commission to the Congress-led government, has pegged the Muslim population in Karnataka at 18.08 per cent and recommended an 8 per cent reservation for the community, sources said.
Although the report was formally presented to the cabinet on April 10, an official statement has not yet been issued. However, key details of the report have surfaced in the public domain.