Thu May 01 19:17:10 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka BJP Challenges State’s Caste Census, Sparking Political Row

**Bengaluru, May 2, 2025** – A political clash has erupted in Karnataka over a state-conducted caste census, with the BJP questioning its legitimacy and accusing the Congress government of political maneuvering.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok criticized the Karnataka government’s caste census report, calling it “unofficial” and claiming it would be irrelevant given the upcoming nationwide caste survey by the central government. He argued that only the Centre has the authority to conduct such a census and asserted that the state’s report is merely a political tactic by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who faces potential loss of power. Ashok further challenged the Congress to explain why it didn’t conduct a national caste census during its time in power, citing the alleged rejection of a proposal under the Manmohan Singh government.

However, AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge countered these claims, stating that the UPA government initiated a socio-economic caste census in 2010, but the subsequent BJP government failed to release the report. He highlighted that despite repeated requests, including a 2023 letter to Prime Minister Modi, the Union government ignored calls for a national caste census before undertaking it themselves. Kharge alleges the BJP is attempting to claim credit for the initiative.

The conflicting statements highlight a growing political battle over the caste census, with each party attempting to leverage the issue for electoral advantage. The central government’s upcoming survey is expected to provide definitive data, leaving the fate and impact of the Karnataka state census report uncertain.

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