Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 14: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Congress state president D.K. Shivakumar announced on Monday that he will meet Congress MLAs from the Vokkaliga community on April 15 to discuss concerns surrounding the controversial caste census report.
The meeting, scheduled for 6 p.m. at Shivakumar’s official residence in Bengaluru, aims to gather feedback from party legislators belonging to the Vokkaliga community — of which Shivakumar himself is a member.
“I haven’t studied the entire caste census report yet, but we are going through it carefully. Tomorrow’s meeting with Vokkaliga MLAs will help us ensure that all communities are respected and that no one’s sentiments are hurt,” Shivakumar told reporters.
The caste census, submitted by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, has triggered political and social backlash — particularly from Vokkaliga leaders and seers who have openly stated they reject the report.
Sources familiar with the report say it estimates the Muslim population in Karnataka at 18.08% (approximately 75.25 lakh people) and recommends raising their reservation under Category 2B from 4% to 8% — a move that could shift the state’s political balance. In contrast, the Vokkaliga population is pegged at 10.31% (around 61.68 lakh), with a proposed reservation increase to 7%.
Amid growing debate, Shivakumar defended the Congress government’s inclusive approach. Responding to claims that the government is offering religion-based reservation and marginalizing Scheduled Castes and Tribes, he said:
“We have ensured reservation for SCs and STs. Our focus is on uplifting economically weaker sections. Congress has always stood for social justice.”
Shivakumar also hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s accusation that the Congress is eroding OBC reservation. “That’s false. On the contrary, a BJP MP made derogatory remarks against a particular community, claiming they’re only good at fixing punctures. We want to show the world that every community has talent and potential,” he said.
Though the caste census report was formally submitted to the cabinet on April 10, the government has refrained from releasing its contents publicly. A special cabinet meeting has been scheduled for April 17 to deliberate on the findings and decide on the way forward.
Shivakumar reassured the public that no rash decisions would be made. “We’ll move carefully, with everyone’s interests in mind,” he added.