BJP Accuses Congress of 'Dividing Hindus' with Karnataka Caste Survey

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a scathing attack on Karnataka’s ruling Congress government, accusing it of orchestrating the Social and Educational Survey—popularly known as the caste census—to “divide” the Hindu community. The survey, set to run from September 22 to October 7 at an estimated cost of Rs 420 crore, has sparked heated controversy, with BJP leaders urging citizens to uniformly declare their religion as Hindu to safeguard national unity.

BJP state president B Y Vijayendra, addressing reporters in Shivamogga, called on people across castes to resist what he described as a “conspiracy” by the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government. “The state has no authority to conduct this caste census, yet they’re pushing forward. I urge everyone to mark ‘Hindu’ in the religion column for the sake of our country’s unity, integrity, and security,” Vijayendra said. He emphasized that while individuals could specify their caste or subcaste, identifying as Hindu was crucial to counter divisive tactics.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, speaking in Hubballi, escalated the rhetoric, alleging that the Congress, under the influence of Sonia Gandhi and her “fake Gandhi family,” was plotting to fracture Hindu society. “This survey is a deliberate attempt to weaken the nation by dividing Hindus and empowering infiltrators,” Joshi claimed, framing the census as a threat to national cohesion.

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Leader of Opposition R Ashoka further intensified the criticism, accusing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of using the survey to appease the Christian community and secure his position amid internal Congress power struggles. Ashoka pointed to the survey’s caste list, which includes dual-identity entries like “Kuruba Christian,” “Brahmin Christian,” and “Vokkaliga Christian,” as evidence of a calculated move to fragment Hindu unity. “This is Sonia and Rahul Gandhi’s agenda to facilitate religious conversions and underreport the Hindu population,” he alleged, branding Karnataka as a “laboratory” for Congress’ divisive policies.

The BJP also questioned the necessity of the state-level survey, noting that the central government has already committed to including caste enumeration in the national census. “This is a redundant and malicious exercise to manipulate demographics and sow discord,” Ashoka charged, accusing the Congress of pursuing an “anti-Hindu” agenda since assuming power.

The controversy surrounding the caste census, which has also faced criticism from within the Congress, underscores the deep political and social tensions in Karnataka. As communities prepare to navigate the survey, the BJP’s call to prioritize Hindu identity aims to rally its base, while the Congress defends the exercise as essential for social justice and policy planning.

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