HDK urges investigation into caste report leak

Bengaluru

Former Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has raised serious concerns over the recent leak of the caste census report and urged the state government to investigate the matter thoroughly.

Kumaraswamy, who serves as the Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, strongly opposed the idea of presenting the leaked caste census report to the Cabinet on Thursday. The Karnataka government had scheduled a special Cabinet meeting for 4 pm on Thursday to discuss the report.

Expressing his concerns about the unauthorized leak, Kumaraswamy questioned Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, asking, “Who systematically leaked the report before it was officially released? Whose hidden hand is behind it? And what do you plan to do with this data that has now ended up on the streets?”

Kumaraswamy demanded an investigation into the leak, stating, “Dear Chief Minister… there must be an investigation into the leak without fail. Was the leak facilitated from the commission? Or did it happen after the report reached the hands of ministers in the Cabinet? Or was it the doing of your own gang?”

He also cautioned the government against presenting the report in the Cabinet meeting, urging, “Your government is solely responsible for the leak — there’s no doubt about it. Under no circumstances should this leaked report be tabled in the Cabinet. Don’t destroy the sanctity of the Cabinet by presenting it.”

Kumaraswamy further criticized the government's actions, accusing CM Siddaramaiah of trying to downplay the caste census as an “educational and economic survey” after the data had already leaked. He warned that the government’s actions were stoking communal tensions in the state.

Sources suggest that the caste census report, which was submitted by the Backward Classes Commission, has pegged the Muslim population in Karnataka at 18.08%, recommending 8% reservation for the community. The upcoming Cabinet meeting will also address strong opposition from various groups.