Leaders lack knowledge about caste census but oppose it, says Siddaramaiah

Bagalkot: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted that even those opposing the caste census are unaware of its contents.

He made these remarks while speaking to reporters in Bagalkot on Thursday.

"The debate has started even before the report is submitted. Even those who outright reject the report do not know what is in it," remarked Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging a more nuanced and informed discussion on the matter.

"Let us see after the report is submitted. It is not a good development to just talk on assumptions," he added.

Addressing concerns about missing worksheets related to the survey, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured reporters that he would speak to Jayaprakash Hegde, the chairman of the Backward Class Commission.

Siddaramaiah also responded sharply to former CM HD Kumaraswamy's allegations that the caste census would sow division within society.

"Does he know what is in the report? No one should speak without knowing. Why do we break society? Nitish Kumar has accepted the caste census in Bihar. Has society been divided there?" questioned Siddaramaiah.

Siddaramaiah emphasized the need for fact-checking before making any public statements.