- By Chetna Shree
- Sun, 21 Sep 2025 09:48 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Karnataka Caste Census: The Siddaramaiah-led government is gearing up for a high-stakes caste-based survey across Karnataka, from Monday, September 22. The move has sparked controversy as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused Congress of using the exercise to divide the Hindu community, by calling it an “anti-people agenda.”
“The survey is a political ploy by the Siddaramaiah-led government to fragment Hindu society, inflate minority numbers, and appease the Congress high command,” the BJP said. The caste-based survey will take place from September 22 to October 7 at an estimated cost of Rs 420 crore across two crore households in Karnataka.
However, the Congress dismissed the BJP’s “anti-Hindu claims” and said that the survey aims to identify social backwardness, inequalities, and promote justice.
ALSO READ: NHAI Finalises Parking Rates In Delhi, EVs To Get Fixed Slots | Check Hourly, Monthly Pass Prices
In response, Karnataka Leader of Opposition R Ashoka alleged that, “Congress leader Sonia Gandhi is a Christian, and this survey is being conducted to appease her. If someone claims to be from Pakistan or denies belief in the Constitution, would they honestly disclose it? If this is truly a socio-educational survey, why include caste names?”
The BJP has also raised questions about the timing of Karnataka’s caste survey, highlighting that the Centre has already planned a caste enumeration as part of the national census scheduled for next year.
Karnataka Caste Census Row: Siddaramaiah Reacts
Siddaramaiah rejected the BJP's claims that caste categorisation is intended to promote conversions, stating that the conversions occur because of social inequality, not due to any government policy.
ALSO READ: PM Modi Address Updates: PM Emphasises Need For Swadeshi Push To Make Bharat Atmanirbhar
“If there is equality and equal opportunities, would conversions happen?” he asked at the Mysuru Airport. Siddaramaiah further clarified that the survey records only a person’s current caste after any conversion.