Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Defends Caste Census Amid BJP Criticism
In Kalaburagi, Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made a strong point on Wednesday while addressing complaints to Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot. Some groups oppose including Christians in Hindu caste categories for the upcoming caste survey. Siddaramaiah simply said, "Christians and Muslims are Indian citizens too—just like everyone else."
This remark comes at a time when the BJP accuses the CM of pushing religious conversions through the caste census in Karnataka. But Siddaramaiah isn’t backing down. He told reporters that the government has lined up 1.75 lakh teachers to carry out the Karnataka caste survey smoothly. Starting September 22 and running until October 7, these teachers will knock on every household door to gather key details on people’s lives.
That’s 40,000 more teachers than the last survey, showing how seriously the state takes this Karnataka caste census. When the BJP raised eyebrows over adding an ‘Atheist’ option in the survey form, the CM shot back, "They’re just playing politics with it." He added that after 78 years of Independence, Karnataka needs real data on the economic, social, and educational status of its people. Once the caste survey report lands, it’ll guide the government in rolling out better schemes for everyone.
Siddaramaiah didn’t stop there—he took a dig at the Central Government too. Karnataka has begged for more compensation under the Natural Resource Protection (NRP) scheme multiple times. The CM even met the Central Finance Secretary and Union Home Minister Amit Shah personally, but Delhi hasn’t budged yet. "We’ve been waiting for their response," he said, highlighting the ongoing tussle between state and Centre.
On another front, the CM announced a CID probe into allegations of rice from Karnataka’s Public Distribution System being exported abroad. "The investigation is moving fast," he assured, promising quick action to stop any misuse.
Boosting development in Kalyana Karnataka, the government plans to set up a dedicated ministry soon. Officials will join right away, giving a fresh push to the region’s growth. Siddaramaiah called it a game-changer for local progress.
Farmers got some good news too. To handle crop loss compensation in Karnataka, the Revenue and Agriculture Departments will team up for a joint survey. The report should arrive within a week, after which funds will flow to affected farmers. This year, rainfall hit 4% above average, but North Karnataka districts like Bidar, Kalaburagi, and Yadgir still saw heavy damage. Compensation will target those spots.
In the 2024-25 financial year, the state already paid out Rs 656 crore in crop insurance claims. For farmers without insurance, the CM said they’ll review cases and provide help. He also promised to look into loan waiver demands from the farming community.
Finally, clearing up last year’s flood controversy, Siddaramaiah said Karnataka sent flood reports to the Centre on time. But delays from Delhi forced the state to knock on the Supreme Court’s door—and that’s how they finally got the compensation. "We did our part," he emphasized, putting the blame where it belongs.
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