Vijayendra Accuses CM Siddaramaiah Of Using Caste Census For Political Gain
16 April 2025 1:20 PM IST
Vijayendra alleged that the Congress government is engaging in “divisive politics” under the guise of social justice
Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra (X.com)
Belagavi: Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra on Monday launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accusing him of using the caste census as a political tool to divide society and safeguard his position within the Congress party.
Addressing a press conference in Belagavi, Vijayendra alleged that the Congress government is engaging in “divisive politics” under the guise of social justice. He claimed that the state lacks the authority to conduct a caste census but is proceeding with it to polarize communities, particularly Hindus and Muslims.
“The Chief Minister is deliberately reviving caste tensions. During his previous tenure, he tried to create a rift among Veerashaiva-Lingayat communities by advocating for separate religion status. Now he is doing the same by pushing the caste census,” said Vijayendra.
He accused the Congress of adopting a divide-and-rule strategy reminiscent of colonial times. “They are now invoking Dr B.R. Ambedkar and the Constitution, but the truth is the Congress has lost its identity. From a party that once had over 400 MPs, they’re now struggling to retain their status in the opposition,” he said.
Vijayendra claimed the BJP is committed to ensuring economic, educational, and social justice for backward and marginalized communities. In contrast, he alleged, Siddaramaiah is using these issues for political survival.
Referring to the Kantharaj Commission report on social and educational backwardness, submitted in 2015 during Siddaramaiah’s earlier term as Chief Minister, Vijayendra questioned the CM’s intentions. “If he was serious about implementing it, why didn’t he act on it during his previous tenure? Congress has been in power for 20 months now, yet nothing has been done,” he said.
He further alleged that Siddaramaiah’s position as Chief Minister is precarious. “His days in office are numbered. That’s why he is resorting to such tactics—to consolidate his base before stepping down,” he claimed.
Vijayendra also criticized the state government over rising fuel prices. “While Prime Minister Modi ensured that oil companies absorbed price hikes, the Karnataka government has increased diesel prices by over ₹5 and petrol by ₹3 in the past 20 months. What purpose did that serve the common man?” he asked.
The BJP leader’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions over the state’s caste survey and its possible implications for reservation policies.
Addressing a press conference in Belagavi, Vijayendra alleged that the Congress government is engaging in “divisive politics” under the guise of social justice. He claimed that the state lacks the authority to conduct a caste census but is proceeding with it to polarize communities, particularly Hindus and Muslims.
“The Chief Minister is deliberately reviving caste tensions. During his previous tenure, he tried to create a rift among Veerashaiva-Lingayat communities by advocating for separate religion status. Now he is doing the same by pushing the caste census,” said Vijayendra.
He accused the Congress of adopting a divide-and-rule strategy reminiscent of colonial times. “They are now invoking Dr B.R. Ambedkar and the Constitution, but the truth is the Congress has lost its identity. From a party that once had over 400 MPs, they’re now struggling to retain their status in the opposition,” he said.
Vijayendra claimed the BJP is committed to ensuring economic, educational, and social justice for backward and marginalized communities. In contrast, he alleged, Siddaramaiah is using these issues for political survival.
Referring to the Kantharaj Commission report on social and educational backwardness, submitted in 2015 during Siddaramaiah’s earlier term as Chief Minister, Vijayendra questioned the CM’s intentions. “If he was serious about implementing it, why didn’t he act on it during his previous tenure? Congress has been in power for 20 months now, yet nothing has been done,” he said.
He further alleged that Siddaramaiah’s position as Chief Minister is precarious. “His days in office are numbered. That’s why he is resorting to such tactics—to consolidate his base before stepping down,” he claimed.
Vijayendra also criticized the state government over rising fuel prices. “While Prime Minister Modi ensured that oil companies absorbed price hikes, the Karnataka government has increased diesel prices by over ₹5 and petrol by ₹3 in the past 20 months. What purpose did that serve the common man?” he asked.
The BJP leader’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions over the state’s caste survey and its possible implications for reservation policies.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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