Jain community opposes state’s caste census

Hubballi

In Hubballi, A.G.M. Samuha Institutions President and Rashtrasant Acharya Shri Gunadhar Nandi Maharaj strongly opposed the state government's planned caste census, describing it as unscientific and unfair.

Speaking at a press conference in Varur, Nandi Maharaj questioned the state's claim that the Jain community's population is only 1,65,565, calling it unsupported by any credible data. He stated, “The caste census that the state government is about to implement is irrational and will lead to injustice for the Jain community. Therefore, we will conduct our own survey across the state starting today and submit our report to the government on June 8.”

He expressed disappointment that the government had not involved community representatives in the survey process and warned that the census would harm community members. Nandi Maharaj insisted that the government should consider their community's findings, stressing they were prepared to take legal action if their concerns were ignored.

“We will travel to every village and household to gather community data. The religious leaders of the Jain community will carry out this survey in their respective areas,” he explained.

Nandi Maharaj outlined plans to cover all taluks in Belagavi district, including Chikkodi, Ainapur, and Hukkeri. “We will finalize our decision on May 8, after which we will initiate protests and legal action,” he added.

He also criticized the census for its potential impact on students from the Jain community and urged that the caste census should not be acknowledged, citing Minister Jameer Ahmed’s claim of a population exceeding 20 lakhs.