BENGALURU, 15 APRIL

Criticising the caste census report tabled before the State Cabinet, Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Tuesday questioned whether it was a “caste census or a census of hate”.

Kumaraswamy sought to know the population of Vokkaligas, the dominant agrarian community which he belongs to, in the state.

“What is it really, a caste census or a census of hate? Is this so-called census a conspiracy designed to instigate unrest in the state? Or is it merely a diversionary tactic to deflect attention from the embarrassment caused by relentless price hikes and a series of corruption scandals?” the minister asked.

 “I do not support this report. I am fully prepared to fight against this injustice,” the Minister added.

TOOL TO DIVIDE SOCIETY

Meanwhile, BJP state unit president BY Vijayendra on Tuesday accused Siddaramaiah of trying to create a divide in the society with the caste census to protecting his "political interests".

"The BJP is committed to the economic, educational and social uplift of backward and oppressed classes and to provide them justice. But Siddaramaiah has conspired to strengthen his political roots using this issue (of the caste census). If Siddaramaiah had a genuine concern for justice, why didn’t he implement this survey during his earlier stint as CM? Later, when the Congress-JD(S) was in power, Siddaramaiah headed the coordination committee. Why didn’t he get the caste census implemented then?" Vijayendra asked.

"He is remembering this issue now because the time for Siddaramaiah to vacate the CM post for someone else has come.”