Sat Apr 12 13:27:36 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Cabinet Approves Controversial Caste Census Despite Opposition

**Bengaluru, April 12, 2025** – The Karnataka Cabinet has approved a Socio-economic and Educational Survey report, commonly known as the caste census, despite significant opposition from leaders of the dominant Lingayat-Veerashaiva and Vokkaliga communities. The decision, attributed to strong backing from the Congress high command, follows a speech by Rahul Gandhi at the AICC session in Ahmedabad.

Gandhi’s speech, reiterating the party’s call for a nationwide caste census and citing Telangana’s recent increase in BC reservations, reportedly emboldened Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Sources indicate Siddaramaiah held a private meeting with Gandhi, securing his approval before presenting the report to the cabinet. This support overshadowed opposition within the Congress party, including that of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who had previously voiced concerns. The BJP and JD(S) also opposed the report.

The Congress high command reportedly instructed party leaders to support the report, prioritizing a nationwide initiative. Concerns amongst dominant castes stem from the belief that the census reveals lower numbers than previously assumed. This is attributed to families identifying by sub-caste rather than the broader community, illustrated by the example of the Kunchitiga community, a Vokkaliga sub-caste, not identifying as Vokkaliga due to exclusion from Union government OBC lists.

The survey will be further discussed at a Cabinet meeting on April 17, with a panel likely to be formed to analyze reservation percentages. Despite approval, further opposition from members of dominant castes is anticipated.

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