Caste census is back in focus whenever CM's chair is under threat: BY Vijayendra

Lokapur (Bagalkot): Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra on Tuesday alleged that the issue of implementing the caste census resurfaces only when Chief Minister Siddaramaiah feels his position is at risk.

Speaking to reporters in Lokapur while en route to attend the Janakrosha Samavesha in Bagalkot, Vijayendra criticised the Congress government for using the caste census issue to divert attention from the discontent among the Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities. “When such dissatisfaction comes to the forefront, Siddaramaiah brings up the caste census to secure his position,” he said.

“If the CM was truly concerned about justice for the backward and oppressed communities, the caste census could have been implemented during his previous term. Even now, the Congress has been in power for over 20 months, and there is no progress,” he pointed out.

Vijayendra also took a dig at Deputy CM D K Shivakumar, saying that he has not even read the caste census report, showing the government’s lack of seriousness on the matter.

He further recalled that during Siddaramaiah’s previous tenure, there were attempts to create a divide by pushing for separate religious status for Veerashaiva-Lingayats. “Even Shivakumar admitted during the last Assembly polls in Ballari that it was a big mistake by Congress to interfere in religious identity issues,” Vijayendra said, adding that the current government is now attempting to divide Hindus and Muslims.

Reacting to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s statement that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying to topple the state government, Vijayendra remarked that such comments indicate a lack of trust even within the ruling party. “One MLA is threatening to commit suicide, while another complains about not receiving any funds, calling the government incompetent,” he said.

Vijayendra also alleged that Karnataka has now earned the dubious distinction of being the “most corrupt state in India,” as admitted by the Chief Minister’s own economic adviser. “What more can the people expect from such a government?” he asked.

Later, Vijayendra visited Basaveshwara Circle in Lokapur, where he was welcomed by BJP district president S T Patil. He paid floral tributes at the Basaveshwara statue.

Deputy CM Govind Karjol, MLC Hanamant Nirani, and BJP leaders Arun Karjol, Lokanna Katti, Sanganagouda Kataraki, and Karivasayya Mathapati Kashinath Huded were also present.