Hubballi: Opining that leaders expressing for and against views about the issue like socio-economic survey (caste census) is natural, PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi stated that the government would not take a decision in a hurry, but would weigh the pros and cons about accepting the report.
"A special Cabinet meeting is called in which ministers will express their opinions. Government has put efforts in getting this survey done, as data is required to formulate schemes. There will be no political profit or loss from this survey. The government will take a final decision after a process involving several stages," he said.
Jarkiholi told reporters in Hubballi on Wednesday that the Congress MLAs holding separate meetings regarding the caste census would not have any impact on the party's organisation. It has become inevitable for MLAs to stand with their communities, and that is natural. Ultimately, the government will decide, he said.
"I have urged the chief minister to call a special session to discuss this matter, so that open discussion can be held. Let all those who are now expressing their views on the matter openly or secretly discuss that in the session with supporting documents. Total consensus in such issues at the level of communities is not possible, and leaders are naturally speaking on behalf of their community. All are independent to express their views, Jarkiholi noted.
Regarding Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge accusing Modi government of trying to topple the state government, Jarkiholi said such an attempt started from the day one and it would continue till the last minute. This is natural in today's political situation, and we have to be alert. We have no anxiety, as we have numbers, he said.
Different opinions naturally come in issues like caste census and internal reservation. In such cases, the party chief asking all the leaders of the party to be united is natural, he added.
He also said the government would take a decision about the implementation of the amendments to the Waqf Act only after thorough discussion.
Legal fight is the only way to get solution in the matter of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) targetting Congress leaders, while protests register opposition, Jarkiholi said.
"The issue of changing the KPCC president is out of my purview. It is the matter to be decided by the party's high command, and I did not demand the change," he added.