Bengaluru – Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for opposing the state’s ongoing caste-based socio-economic and educational survey. He accused the BJP of “exposing their true colours” and attempting to obstruct efforts aimed at achieving equality.
“As our government begins this important survey, those who preach ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ are revealing their true intentions. BJP leaders are openly opposing the survey, exposing themselves in front of the public,” Siddaramaiah said in a statement.
The survey, being conducted by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, aims to assess the social, economic, and educational status of the state’s seven crore residents. The CM emphasized that the survey is inclusive and not targeted at any particular caste or religion.
“This is not against anyone. It’s for everyone—intended to ensure equal opportunities and fair representation for all,” he said.
Siddaramaiah alleged that the BJP wants to maintain the status quo, where inequality and lack of opportunity persist. “They want the poor to remain poor, the backward to stay behind, and women to remain deprived. That is their mindset,” he claimed.
He further accused the BJP of opposing the survey because it would expose the ground realities faced by Dalits, backward classes, minorities, and even the poor among forward castes. “They don’t want these truths to come to light,” he said.
The CM also questioned the BJP’s silence over similar caste surveys conducted in Bihar and Telangana, and pointed to the central government’s plans for a nationwide caste census. “Why oppose the Karnataka survey while remaining quiet elsewhere? Do you have the courage to oppose the Centre’s proposed caste census as well?” he asked BJP leaders.
Calling the BJP’s criticism “politically motivated,” Siddaramaiah urged people to ignore such remarks and actively participate in the survey. “Throw their baseless claims in the dustbin. Cooperate with the survey, and let’s build an equal society together,” he said.
