B.Y. Raghavendra criticizes Karnataka Congress for misusing the caste census and neglecting community development.
Shivamogga
MP B.Y. Raghavendra strongly criticized the state Congress government, claiming it is manipulating the caste census for political gain while neglecting the welfare of marginalized communities. Speaking at a press conference at the district BJP office, he called the survey unscientific and noted that neither the public nor some Congress ministers support it. The Karnataka High Court has also clarified that citizens are not obliged to answer every question, raising doubts about the survey’s usefulness.
He accused Congress of historically sidelining backward class reports, including Kakadekar’s findings, and mismanaging development projects, such as the 160-crore Kantaraj report, while spending 450 crores on the caste survey. Raghavendra praised former CM B.S. Yediyurappa for providing equitable financial support across communities and criticized Congress ministers for ignoring similar development initiatives, including welfare for Madival, Machidev, Uppara, Arya Vaishya, Vishwakarma, Ambigar Chaudayya, and Ediga communities.
Raghavendra condemned the Congress for using poverty and caste merely as political rhetoric, urging ministers not to mislead informed voters. He highlighted the Modi government’s steps to resolve local network issues in Shivamogga, including the installation of 90 new towers.
He also expressed support for local protests against toll gates near Shikaripur and Savalanga on October 9, demanding their removal due to public opposition. BJP leaders present included D.S. Arun, Dr. Dhananjay Sarje, NK Jagadeesh, KG Kumaraswamy, Chandrashekhar, Raju Tallur, Virupakshappa, and Mangote Rudresh.
