Mysuru, 21 April

MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah on Monday said the caste census, also known as the Socio-Economic and Educational Survey, conducted by the State OBC Commission, was scientifically done and covered 95 per cent of the State’s population. There is no need for a fresh survey, he asserted.

He dismissed claims that population figures were manipulated, blaming “prejudiced mindsets” for objections. On Janivara's removal, he said the government is taking equal action against those disturbing religious sentiments, urging the BJP not to politicise the matter.

Yathindra rebutted former MP Pratap Simha’s claim that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah raised the caste census to save his post, stating the Congress high command fully supports him.

Hitting out at Leader of the Opposition R Ashok for spreading lies on caste census report, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar asked him to find out from Commission Chairman Jayaprakash Hegde if the report was real or fake.

“Backward Classes Commission is an autonomous body. The sealed report was opened in the Cabinet meeting. It was video graphed as well.”

Asked about Satish Jarkiholi’s statement that it would take a year to implement the caste census report, he said, “The discussions of Cabinet meetings are not to be discussed in the public.”