Karnataka caste census: Vokkaligas, Lingayats declare 'war' on Cong govt

Along with these communities, the Brahmins and other groups, who are against the caste census are also planning to organise a state-wide Karnataka Bandh.

Notably, the Vokkaliga community association has warned that if the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government does not withdraw this report, the government will not survive.

Emergency meeting

On Tuesday (APril 15), the Vokkaliga association’s office bearers and members quickly held an emergency meeting in Bengaluru. After the meeting, the association’s president, Kenchappa Gowda told the media that the executive committee members had met to discuss the state government's decision to go ahead with implementing the Kantharaj Commission report.

Terming the report as “unhealthy and biased”, Gowda pointed out that it was released a decade after being prepared.

Also read: Karnataka govt won’t take any hasty decision on caste census: DKS

"The report claims that there are only 60 lakh Vokkaligas in the state, which is a grave injustice. We’ve seen caste-wise surveys during elections in every taluk, and the real numbers will be evident if that data is considered," he added.

Political Manipulation

Further, questioning the authenticity of the data, Kenchappa Gowda asked, "Is it really possible to have just 61 lakh people across Karnataka’s 224 constituencies? Our community has been pushed to sixth place. The earlier Chinnappa Reddy Commission reported much higher numbers.”

And, he alleged that “this manipulation is aimed at adjusting reservation benefits".

He also shared that the Vokkaligas, Veerashaiva-Lingayats, and other wronged communities will launch a united protest across Karnataka, and they have been contacted by the leaders of the Lingayat, Veerashaiva, and Brahmin communities to join forces.

Call for new, transparent census

Stressed that they “oppose this report”, Gowda suggested that a fresh review is necessary.

Also read: Will speak on caste census after Apr 17, says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah

“Legally, a census should be conducted every 10 years and by the central government, not the state. If it must be done, let it be conducted with geo-tagging technology to ensure transparency,” he reiterated.

He also stated that the association would meet with religious heads (Swamijis) of the Vokkaliga community, and demanded that all Vokkaliga MLAs and ministers who have benefited from the community must join the agitation.

"We will not sit idle. We demand a new survey and are prepared to launch a protest that can paralyse the state. The Veerashaiva-Lingayat community is also being invited to the movement, and we are in discussions with them,” he revealed.

Independent survey

Nelligere Babu, the director of the Vokkaliga Association, announced that the group will conduct an independent survey to determine the actual number of Vokkaligas in the state.

"We are preparing new software for this, and no matter the cost, we will carry it out,” he said.

Also read: Karnataka caste census: DK Shivakumar calls meeting of Vokkaliga ministers, MLAs

DK Shivakumar extends support?

Meanwhile, in a highly significant move, deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has reportedly met the Vokkaliga association members and allegedly told them that he is also opposed to the caste. Association leader Jayamuthu said that "he (DKS) stands with the Vokkaliga association”.

“Under no circumstances should this caste census be implemented,” said Jayamuthu. Further, he warned, "If it is implemented, this government will not last."

Meanwhile, DKS will hold a meeting officially with Vokkaliga ministers and MLAs at 6 pm today.

Also read: Karnataka: Caste census report suggests 51 pc quota for Backward Communities

Also read: Karnataka caste census data leaked: Here are the major revelations

(This article first appeared in The Federal Karnataka)