In Bengaluru on Monday, the Karnataka BJP slammed the state government for allegedly misusing a caste census for political gain.
Opposition leader R. Ashoka said the census is not taking place fairly. “Not everyone has filled out the survey,” he warned. “Even Sudha Murthy of Infosys, who chose not to give her caste information, was threatened by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi. The government is violating people’s privacy, which the High Court says is a matter of personal choice.”
Ashoka added that the government is threatening teachers, officials and even the likes of business owners. He criticised Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for attacking entrepreneurs such as Mohan Das Pai and Kiran Mazumdar Shaw. “If roads aren’t good, he lectures people,” he said. “Those who pay taxes should be able to ask questions.”
The BJP also said that despite the state spending ₹2,000 crore on pothole repairs, visible improvements are still lacking. “When floods hit,” Ashoka said, “the government must call an all‑party meeting. Instead, it claims no relief is coming.” He noted that the central government has already released aid under normal rules.
The party disputed an old claim that former CM Jagadish Shettar had banned outside groups from school premises. “There is no evidence of such an order,” Ashoka said. “It only applied to one school in Chamarajpet, yet the current government is using it as a blanket rule.”
Finally, Ashoka criticized the government’s handling of public processions. “Every Friday in Chamarajpet, prayers happen on the road, disrupting traffic,” he said. “During Ramadan, Eid, or other celebrations, roads shut down without permission. The BJP emphasises that these processions are harmless.”
The controversy reflects deeper tensions in Karnataka over privacy, public work and the use of caste data for elections.
Source: ianslive
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