Bengaluru: BJP is preparing to step up its agitation against the Congress govt over the caste census, which has reportedly recommended doubling reservation for Muslims —from 4% to 8% — under the OBC category. The saffron party, which had opposed the govt’s recent decision to introduce 4% quota for Muslims in civil contracts, is now set to use the new figures as fresh political ammunition.
The socioeconomic and educational survey, commonly referred to as the caste census, was presented before the cabinet on Friday. While the cabinet accepted the report, it has not been made public. However, leaked data pegs the Muslim population at over 75 lakh of a total 5.9 crore. This has triggered sharp reactions from BJP, which is accusing the govt of pursuing vote bank politics and appeasement.
Chief minister Siddaramaiah has convened a special cabinet meeting on April 17 to deliberate on the report and its implications. BJP had initially called for a meeting Monday to chart its protest strategy but has now decided to discuss it at a party core committee after the cabinet’s stand becomes clear.
“People know Congress party’s vote bank and appeasement politics very well, but it has taken it to another level through its so-called caste census,” said BJP state president BY Vijayendra. “The census is aimed at dividing society.”
He questioned the credibility of the data, insisting it was outdated and unscientific. “How can data obtained 10 years ago be relevant today?” he said. “The scientific view is that the population should be enumerated once in 10 years to accommodate a cycle of generation shift. Our basic demand is to reject this caste census and conduct a fresh, scientific survey after taking all stakeholders into confidence and hearing their views.”
BJP is also reaching out to politically dominant communities like Lingayats and Vokkaligas, who are reportedly upset over their numbers being “under-estimated” in the report.
“Many communities have concerns as Siddaramaiah and his govt have been selective. It has inflated the population of only a couple of communities,” said Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, leader of opposition in the legislative council. “There has been a deliberate attempt to undermine the strength of some communities. BJP will stand by them since our intention is to secure equitable social justice for all deserving communities including the most backward classes.”
Narayanaswamy also criticised the govt for its lack of transparency. “The govt is insincere in ensuring social justice to all communities. People have observed that the govt periodically leaked the data of the survey since 2015, even without officially accepting the report and making it public.”