Union Minister Pralhad Joshi slammed Karnataka’s state-led caste census, calling it unofficial, meaningless, and financially wasteful, questioning its methodology and potential to divide society.
Hubballi
Union Minister for Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, stated that the caste census survey being conducted by the state Congress government has no official recognition or significance.
Speaking to the media, Joshi emphasised that the central government alone holds the authority to conduct the census, and therefore, the state government’s survey was a meaningless exercise. He further lambasted the Congress government for allegedly supporting forces that disrupt social harmony. The influence is evident in the ongoing caste census survey, he said.
Joshi raised questions about the basis of the state’s caste survey, particularly concerning how groups would be categorised. The Union Minister also accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of being an ultra-leftist, claiming that the previous caste census cost Rs 400 crore without any outcomes, and the same financial burden is being repeated this time.
Further, Joshi alleged a conspiracy to divide Hindu society under the influence of the fake Gandhis, Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, by granting voting rights to infiltrators as part of a strategy to weaken the nation.
He criticised the state government for allegedly attempting to provide reservations to converts by classifying them as Kuruba Christians, Brahmin Christians, and Lingayat Christians, despite the Constitution clearly stating that converts are not entitled to reservations. He argued that this move was unconstitutional and alarming, particularly because it contradicted the original concept of social equality in Hindu society, which did not have a system of untouchability before the unfortunate introduction of such divisions.
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Pralhad Joshi pointed out the growing opposition from various communities, particularly the Vokkaligas, who fear losing leadership roles if the caste survey is conducted. Joshi remarked that this truth has dawned on DK Shivakumar, which has led to Congress Ministers, including him, opposing the survey.