Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar conducted a meeting at his official house in Kumara Park on Tuesday evening, dealing with the caste census report among ministers, MLAs, Rajya Sabha members, and Vokkaliga community leaders.
Refuting press reports that stated Muslims are the largest population group in the caste census, Shivakumar categorically denied the reports in his media address after the meeting. He termed these stories false and misleading and claimed that some media had carried erroneous information. "It's all false, and I am not ready to answer any questions in this regard," he remarked. He underlined that correct information should be delivered to the masses and circumvented mentioning the names of the media involved.
When asked how much the Vokkaliga community is likely to be, Shivakumar stated that as a party president of the Congress party, he was more concerned with the welfare of all communities in general rather than any particular community. "We are concerned about the security of all communities," he further said, observing that the caste census was an exhaustive survey involving lakhs of individuals and some reports in the media were bringing about unnecessary confusion.
Deputy Chief Minister also said that a report of the 11th Backward Classes Commission had already been placed in a cabinet meeting and brought to the notice of all the ministers. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also convened a meeting on April 17 to discuss the matter further.
Shivakumar clarified that the Congress government had commissioned the socio-economic survey, with much resources spent and many individuals engaged in data collection. He further added that since the report is now available, MLAs will be given a copy, and their opinions will be heard in a special cabinet meeting to set facts straight.
On the dissent shown by some ministers previously regarding the caste census report, Shivakumar explained that they had not received the complete information then. "The information was given only three days ago," he added.
The report of the caste census, which has been presented by the Backwards Classes Commission, has generated controversy. It is said to estimate the population of Muslims in Karnataka at 18.08% and propose 8% reservation to the community. The Karnataka Vokkaliga Association has now said that it will fight the caste census report, along with other communities, such as the Lingayats.
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