Daijiworld Media Network- Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Apr 16: The political atmosphere in Karnataka continues to heat up over the contentious caste census report, as the influential Vokkaliga community has now openly declared its opposition. The Karnataka Vokkaliga Association, joined by other communities including the Lingayats, has vowed to launch a unified state-wide struggle if the government proceeds with implementing the findings of the H. Kantharaju Commission report.

Addressing media in the state capital on Tuesday, Kenchappa Gowda, State President of the Vokkaliga community, warned that the implementation of the caste census would be a grave injustice to the community. “We will not stand alone. Our struggle will be alongside the Lingayat and other aggrieved communities. We will fight this injustice together,” he said.

He announced a massive protest movement that will include farmers, traders, and government employees from within the Vokkaliga fold. “People are deeply disappointed. Earlier, all ministers from the Vokkaliga community, including deputy CM DK Shivakumar, had signed a representation to the Chief Minister opposing the report,” Gowda pointed out.

While Shivakumar has not taken an open stand against the report after assuming office, Gowda expressed hope that the Deputy CM would raise the community’s concerns in the Cabinet meeting. “We trust he will speak on behalf of the community. The government must take note—when the Vokkaligas hit the streets, it will not go unnoticed,” Gowda cautioned, even hinting at a possible collapse of the government if sentiments are ignored.

The main contention stems from the population figures cited in the report. As per sources, the census pegs the Vokkaliga population at 61.68 lac, or 10.31% of the state's population—placing them in the sixth position. In comparison, the Muslim population is estimated at 75.25 lac (18.08%) and the Lingayats at 66.35 lac (11.09%).

Community leaders argue that the report drastically underrepresents the Vokkaliga population. “Are there only 60 lac Vokkaligas across 224 constituencies?” asked Gowda. “We have seen caste-wise surveys during elections at the taluk level which suggest otherwise.”

The report, submitted to the Cabinet on April 10, reportedly recommends increasing Muslim reservation from 4% to 8%, Vokkaliga reservation to 7%, and Lingayat reservation to 8%. The Congress-led government is expected to deliberate the recommendations during a special Cabinet meeting scheduled for April 17.

Adding to the criticism, Nelligere Babu, Director of the Vokkaligara Sangha, declared that if the government goes ahead with the report, it could face serious political consequences. “The Congress-led government will not survive this,” he warned.

Meanwhile, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar responded to the developments by stating that he would represent the community's views in the upcoming Cabinet meeting. “I am not an expert; I come from a rural background. I collect information and will present the concerns of our community in the right forum,” he assured.

As tensions escalate, all eyes are now on the April 17 Cabinet meeting, which could shape the state’s socio-political landscape for years to come.