Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the government will conduct a fresh caste survey in the state. Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar met with the Congress high command in Delhi on Tuesday to discuss key issues, where they discussed two to three crucial issues, including the caste census and the recent stampede in Bengaluru.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, CM Siddaramaiah said that they have accepted the leadership’s suggestion to re-enumerate the case census data. “Discussions were held regarding the caste census as concerns were raised by some organisations, religious heads, and even a few ministers. The report submitted on the caste census has been accepted in principle. There is an agreement that a caste enumeration should be conducted. We have also agreed to this,” he said.
He further mentioned that the discussion emphasised that the fresh survey should be completed within 90 days. “We will conduct a fresh survey. Since the last enumeration was done in 2015-16, there is an opinion that a new enumeration is necessary. Just as we are conducting surveys for Scheduled Castes, we will carry out another enumeration. It was discussed that this survey should be completed within 90 days,” Siddaramaiah said.
Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal had earlier confirmed that the party leadership has suggested that the Karnataka government re-enumerate the caste census data. Speaking on the Bengaluru stampede near the Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4 that killed 11 people and left over 50 injured, CM Siddaramaiah briefed the Congress leadership about the action taken by the government.
“We discussed the recent tragic incident and explained the measures we have taken. A magisterial inquiry is underway, and a judicial commission has been appointed, led by retired Justice Michael Cunha. Five police officers have been suspended, intelligence officers have been transferred, and the political secretary has been relieved. We explained these actions, and there is a consensus that the measures taken are appropriate.” Siddaramaiah said.
Referring to the stampede at Maha Kumbh Mela earlier this year in which more than 30 people lost their lives, Siddaramaiah said that the stampede should not be politicised. “The Kumbh Mela incident should be discussed first before addressing this issue. I am not using the Kumbh Mela deaths to defend this incident. When people die, it is human to feel sorrow. This incident should not be politicised.” Siddaramaiah said.
