Tue Apr 15 22:00:30 UTC 2025: ## BJP Accuses Karnataka CM of Using Caste Census to Avoid Power Transfer
**Bengaluru, April 16, 2025** – The Karnataka BJP has accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of using the recently released caste census report as a political distraction to avoid transferring power to Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, as per a reported power-sharing agreement.
Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok issued a statement listing twelve questions for the Chief Minister, alleging the report’s release is a tactic to deflect attention from Siddaramaiah’s recent troubles, including criticism from the Congress high command over the “honey-trap” allegations. Ashok claims that Congress insiders believe the caste census is being used to undermine Shivakumar.
The BJP maintains it supports measures to uplift oppressed communities but opposes what it calls a “political game plan” using the census for personal gain. Ashok questioned the report’s scientific validity, completeness, and relevance, noting that the commission secretary allegedly did not sign it and that the original report may be missing. He also pointed out inconsistencies, such as the delay in implementing a survey conducted ten years ago and the lack of consensus-building efforts in the past two years. The BJP questioned why the Kantharaju Commission report from 2018 was not acted upon.
The accusations highlight growing tensions within the Karnataka Congress government, fueled by speculation regarding the power-sharing agreement and the ongoing political maneuvering surrounding the caste census report.
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