• Source:JND
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The Social and Educational Survey—widely referred to as the 'caste census' in Karnataka came at the centre of a political slugfest after Deputy CM DK Shivakumar was spotted refusing to answer some of the questions asked by the enumerator at his Sadashivnagar residence on Sunday.

The opposition BJP and JD(S) on Sunday took a dig at the Congress government over Shivakumar's refusal.

Responding to a media query, Karnataka BJP chief Vijayendra said, "Looking at D K Shivakumar's reaction yesterday, it is clear... 60 questions are being asked to people. The caste census that is being carried out by the government in the name of the social and educational survey is creating confusion day by day. It has created confusion in all communities".

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, he said, prima facie it appears that the government decided on the survey without proper preparation.

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"There has been criticism over including differently abled people for the enumeration work. I'm unable to understand why the state government and the chief minister are in such hurry. Amid talks about October or November revolution within the Congress party, there are discussions whether there are any links to this possible political revolution in the state and the caste census," he added.

What did Shivakumar say? 

The controversy erupted after Shivakumar, who launched the survey in the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) area, seemed frustrated with an hour-long process.

During the process, he advised enumerators not to ask certain questions that are 'personal' in nature even as he called upon the people to participate in the survey.

He asked the survey officials to 'keep it simple' and focus on essential data only. Frustrated Shivakumar said there is no point in asking certain questions like how many cattle they are rearing and how much gold they possess.

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“Questions like how many hens and sheep you have, how much gold you have. They are asking me if I have poultry. Am I doing poultry business?" Shivakumar asked. “They should have simplified it. I saw it today. There are far too many questions. I have asked them to reduce it. People won’t have patience, especially in cities."

(With PTI Inputs)