Amid growing objections to the Social and Educational Survey, or caste census,, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has said any decision on its possible postponement will be taken after consulting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
The survey is scheduled to take place between September 22 and October 7, at an estimated cost of ₹420 crore.
Mr. Shivakumar, along with his cabinet colleagues H.K. Patil, Shivaraj Tangadagi, Byrathi Suresh and B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan, went into a huddle with Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes Chairperson Madhusudhan R. Naik and its members.
The meeting came following some objections that were reportedly raised during the cabinet meeting earlier on Thursday (September 18, 2025) regarding the castes list prepared for the survey.
Following the objections, CM Siddaramaiah apparently asked some Ministers to hold discussions and get back to him regarding the further course of actions, according to official sources.
“We have discussed how some people and BJP are misusing (the situation). The Backward Class commission systematically and within the framework of law, taking into account public opinion and how the surveys have been done in the past, has made a list. We have taken their (Commissions) opinion too,” Mr. Shivakumar said, after the meeting on Thursday (September 18, 2025).
Speaking to reporters here, he said, the Congress party and the government don’t want to divide any community.
“The list of castes has been prepared by the Commission based on what was there in the past and on the request from communities. But some of our members have expressed objections to this. We are seeking opinions. We are not concerned about those speaking politically. This survey is being done to provide justice for all. We will inform the chief minister as to what has transpired and inform you about the decision,” he added.
Asked whether there were suggestions to postpone the survey, the Deputy CM said, “I won’t say anything about it now. After discussing with the CM, I will speak to you. Ultimately we will provide justice to everyone.”
According to sources, during the cabinet meeting the caste census issue came up for discussion, during which several Ministers expressed objections and reservations regarding the caste list and “problematic nomenclatures” of castes mentioned in it.
Concerns were also raised about “anti-upper caste” image being created against the Congress in connection with the survey, and also BJP accusing the government of dividing Hindus and Veerashaiva-Lingayat community gaining traction.
“Also, concerns were raised about strong objections to the caste census list, especially regarding a number of castes containing dual identities – having both Christian and Hindu caste names – like ‘Kuruba Christian’, ‘Brahmin Christian’, ‘Vokkaliga Christian’ among others. Some even cautioned about this “problematic nomenclatures” being projected as a move that will give opportunity for religious conversion, and them eating into quota share of other OBCs.
Some Ministers are said to have suggested holding the survey after rectifying all the confusions. Confusion or differences among the Veerashaiva-Lingayats, a dominant community, over mentioning themselves as a separate religion, instead of Hindus were also pointed out, sources said.
There were also caution by few, that postponing the survey may send a wrong message, sources added.
BJP too urged the government and the Backward Class Commission to not conduct the survey “hastily”, warning that any thoughtless move may create divide between the communities.
Pointing to the alleged lack of unity within the cabinet, BJP state General Secretary and MLA Sunil Kumar told the government to postpone the survey. “Call an all party meeting and meeting of all castes representatives to gather opinion and hold the survey during summer.”
He also questioned the need for the survey, when the Centre has already announced caste enumeration in the national census, and alleged “caste census in the state seems to be a move by CM Siddaramaiah to extend his tenure as CM, amid power tussle within the ruling party.”
The BJP leader reiterated the party’s objections to the caste census list, with castes that contain dual identities, having both Christian and Hindu caste name, stating that it may give scope for a large-scale religious conversion.
Published – September 19, 2025 11:31 am IST
