Karnataka Drops Christian Sub-Castes from Survey, BJP Voices Strong Objections

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Saturday that the column listing Christian sub-castes has been removed from the state’s upcoming caste census, addressing concerns that had sparked heated political debate. Speaking to reporters in Gadag, the Chief Minister accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of politicizing the issue, while clarifying that the decision was made by the independent Backward Class Commission, not the state government. “It is not me who has removed it. The Commission is a statutory body, and we cannot interfere,” Siddaramaiah stated, emphasizing that guidelines were provided to ensure compliance.

The controversy arose after Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot forwarded a letter from BJP leaders warning that the inclusion of Christian sub-castes could cause “social disturbance, long-term complications, and irreparable damage” to Karnataka’s social fabric. Siddaramaiah dismissed the BJP’s motives as political, questioning, “Should I keep giving replies to the BJP?”

He also refuted claims by Panchamasali Jagadguru pontiff Vachanananda Swamiji, who labeled the survey a conspiracy, by drawing parallels with the Central government’s planned 2028 caste census. “Caste surveys were stopped in 1931. If the Centre is doing it, should we call that a conspiracy too?” he asked.

The Chief Minister clarified that the survey, set to run from September 22 to October 7 at an estimated cost of Rs 420 crore, is not solely a caste census but a comprehensive socio-economic, educational, and employment survey aimed at fostering equality. “Without knowing the people’s socio-educational and economic status, how can we formulate policies?” he argued, emphasizing the need to identify and uplift deprived communities. The survey will deploy 1.75 lakh teachers as enumerators, each covering 120 to 150 households over 15 days, collecting data on caste, religion, education, and economic conditions.

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Siddaramaiah rejected allegations of internal dissent, stating, “No one opposed the survey in the cabinet; everyone agreed.” He underscored the survey’s goal of prioritizing opportunities for economically weaker and marginalized groups to promote social equity. The initiative, he noted, will provide critical data on the number of castes in Karnataka, enabling evidence-based policymaking.

As Karnataka braces for this ambitious exercise, the removal of Christian sub-castes and the ensuing political clash highlight the contentious nature of caste-based surveys, raising questions about social harmony and governance in the state.

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