Karnataka caste census: DK Shivakumar calls meeting of Vokkaliga ministers, MLAs
On April 17, Siddaramaiah is expected to convene a special Cabinet meeting for a detailed discussion on caste census
In what is being seen as a direct political challenge to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has called for a meeting of Vokkaliga leaders including ministers and MLAs at his residence on Tuesday (April 150 to discuss the state caste census report.
Also read: Karnataka caste census data leaked: Here are the major revelations
The development comes after Siddaramaiah presented the caste census report in the state Cabinet, and the alleged leak of the details of the report.
Vokkaligas relegated to 5th
Vokkaliga leaders, who find their community relegated to fifth place in caste-wise population rankings, have now turned against the Congress government.
Also read: Karnataka govt won’t take any hasty decision on caste census: Shivakumar
Reportedly, the pressure to conduct the caste census came from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and Siddaramaiah has been implementing it. Shivakumar’s call for a separate meeting is also being interpreted as a challenge to the party's high command. However, details of which Vokkaliga ministers and MLAs will attend the meeting are still not known.
The meeting, scheduled to be held in Bengaluru, is to gather opinions from Vokkaliga legislators and ministers.
Special Cabinet meeting
On April 17, Siddaramaiah is expected to convene a special Cabinet meeting for a detailed discussion on caste census. Summaries of the report have already been shared with all ministers. Amidst criticism that the Vokkaliga community has been unfairly treated, Shivakumar is expected to discuss the pros and cons of the report in his meeting.
Response to Lingayat criticism
When asked about Lingayat Mahasabha leader and Congress veteran Shamanur Shivashankarappa criticising the caste census report, Shivakumar said, “If their community is standing up for itself, why should we criticise that? In a democracy and under the Constitution, everyone has the right to express their community’s stand.”
Also read: Will speak on caste census after April 17, says Siddaramaiah
He also stated that the chief minister will allow discussion on the caste census in the Legislative Assembly, indirectly suggesting that he too disagrees with parts of the report, and that community-level opposition is legitimate.
Emergency meeting by Vokkaliga Association
The Vokkaliga Association has also called an emergency meeting of community leaders and office-bearers at its office on Tuesday. The association’s president B Kenchappagowda has directed members to discuss the caste census report urgently.
Sources indicate that if the government officially accepts the caste census report, the association may demand the resignation of all Vokkaliga ministers and MLAs. They also plan to approach religious leaders, especially Sri Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji of the Adichunchanagiri Math, to lead a community meeting to seek justice for Vokkaligas.
(This article was originally published in The Federal Karnataka)