- By Imran Zafar
- Fri, 18 Apr 2025 05:18 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said there was no opposition to the caste census report during the special cabinet meeting held the previous evening. The caste census report, officially known as the Social and Educational Survey, the report's discussion was incomplete and has been deferred to the next cabinet meeting scheduled for May 2.
CM Siddaramaiah dismissed media reports claiming that ministers engaged in loud arguments over the issue. "Yesterday, it (caste census report) was discussed in the cabinet, it was incomplete, and it has been posted for another day. The subject will be discussed in the next cabinet. No one has opposed it," the chief minister said.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar also denied allegations of heated exchanges, stating that ministers merely shared suggestions and perspectives. “There were no raised voices or arguments,” he said, asserting that the discussion remained constructive.
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil added that the cabinet focused on understanding the parameters used in the survey. Senior officials were asked to provide further technical details before any decision is made, he said.
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However, while no official opposition was recorded, some ministers did express reservations, news agency PTI reported citing sources. Concerns were raised about the survey being “unscientific” and possibly “outdated,” with allegations of undercounting certain groups. In response, Siddaramaiah invited all ministers to share their feedback either in writing or verbally.
Reports suggesting that a couple of ministers spoke in an “upset tone” remain unconfirmed, with most ministers insisting the meeting was conducted in a cordial environment.
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Divided Public Opinion On Caste Census
Public reaction to the survey report has been polarised. The dominant Vokkaliga and Veerashaiva-Lingayat communities have strongly objected to it, demanding that the report be scrapped and a new one conducted. Within the ruling Congress as well, some leaders have voiced concerns.
Meanwhile, several Dalit and OBC leaders and organisations support the survey, urging the government to make it public and proceed with its implementation, noting that around Rs 160 crore has already been spent on the project.