BJP Claims Congress Attempting to Divide Hindus Through Caste Census

Karnataka BJP President B Y Vijayendra launched a scathing attack on the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government, accusing it of orchestrating a "totally unscientific" caste census aimed at dividing the Hindu community. The Social and Educational Survey, popularly known as the caste census, has sparked intense political controversy, with the BJP alleging that the Congress is using it as a diversionary tactic to mask governance failures.

The survey, conducted by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, began on September 22 and was originally set to conclude on Tuesday. However, logistical challenges and alleged mismanagement have prompted an extension until October 12 in several parts of the state and October 24 in Greater Bengaluru. Vijayendra criticized the process, pointing to technical glitches and inadequate preparation by the commission. "The survey is being conducted under pressure from the state government, with over 60 complex questions that even Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar struggled to answer. How can the common man be expected to respond?" he questioned during a press conference in Bengaluru.

Vijayendra accused the Congress government of neglecting critical issues, such as the plight of farmers affected by recent floods and heavy rains, while pushing the controversial census to shift public attention. "When the state is grappling with real crises, Siddaramaiah is resorting to this unscientific exercise to create confusion," he said, alleging that the Congress lacks the authority to conduct such a survey. In a particularly sharp critique, he claimed the government’s actions are a deliberate attempt to "divide the Hindu religion," calling it a deeply unfortunate move that undermines social harmony.

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The BJP leader also highlighted operational flaws in the survey, noting that enumerators, including teachers and even disabled individuals, have faced significant challenges due to the rushed implementation. He pointed to Shivakumar’s own objections to certain "irrelevant" questions in the survey, arguing that the process lacks clarity and credibility.

Responding to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s accusation that the BJP is "anti-backward classes" for opposing the survey, Vijayendra defended his party’s commitment to social justice. "The BJP is not against a caste census. In fact, the Narendra Modi government has already committed to including caste enumeration in the upcoming national census, ensuring a fair and scientific approach," he clarified, emphasizing the party’s dedication to uplifting all sections of society.

The controversy has deepened the political divide in Karnataka, with the BJP framing the caste census as a divisive ploy by the Congress to distract from its administrative shortcomings. As the survey’s extended deadlines loom, the debate over its legitimacy and impact on social cohesion is set to intensify, raising questions about the Congress government’s priorities and the future of caste-based policies in the state.

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