Siddaramaiah Defends Karnataka’s Caste Census as Tool for Equality

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has launched a passionate defense of the ongoing Social and Educational Survey, popularly known as the "caste census," in Bengaluru, asserting that it is a vital step toward achieving equality in a deeply unequal society. The survey, conducted by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, began on September 22, 2025, and is set to conclude on October 7. Siddaramaiah emphasized that the data collected will provide critical insights into poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy across various castes, enabling targeted policies to uplift marginalized communities.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the Chief Minister invoked the vision of B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of India’s Constitution, stating, “To ensure equality as Ambedkar envisioned, we need accurate data on social and economic disparities. This survey will give us the tools to address inequality systematically.” He accused the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of opposing the census to maintain the dominance of a single community. “The BJP wants inequality to persist because they prioritize one community’s supremacy over others,” Siddaramaiah charged, escalating the political row over the issue.

The BJP has fiercely criticized the Congress-led state government, alleging that the caste census is a ploy to divide Hindus and consolidate the Congress’s vote bank. Prominent BJP leaders, including Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, have called for a boycott of the survey, labeling it divisive and unnecessary. The opposition’s stance has sparked heated debates across Karnataka, with critics arguing that the BJP’s resistance reflects an unwillingness to confront systemic inequalities.

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Siddaramaiah also took a swipe at Union Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy, who recently claimed the caste census would not benefit society. “If Kumaraswamy thinks this is pointless, let him explain why the central government, under BJP rule, has agreed to include caste enumeration in the upcoming national census,” the CM retorted. He credited pressure from the Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi for pushing the Centre to adopt caste-based data collection, signaling a broader national shift toward addressing caste disparities.

The Chief Minister also addressed Kumaraswamy’s suggestion that Karnataka seek compensation from the Centre for rain- and flood-related damages without confronting the Union government. Siddaramaiah responded sharply, recalling past struggles to secure drought relief in 2023. “We had to go to the Supreme Court to force the Centre to release funds,” he said. “If Kumaraswamy can ensure compensation, let him do it—we’ll provide the memorandum.”

The caste census controversy underscores deeper tensions in Karnataka’s political landscape, with the Congress championing social justice and the BJP accusing it of divisive politics. As the survey progresses, its findings could reshape Karnataka’s approach to welfare and development, while fueling further debate over caste and equality in India.

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