CM Siddaramaiah and son Dr Yathindra.
Credit: DH File Photo
Mysuru: MLC Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah has defended the proposed new Caste Census, stating it is not a wasteful expenditure but a necessary exercise that will ultimately benefit the people.
Speaking to the media in Mysuru on Tuesday, Dr Yathindra, son of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, said the need for a new survey arose because previous governments, led by the JD(S) and the BJP, had failed to act on the earlier Socio-Economic and Educational Survey (popularly known as the Caste Census).
“If those governments had not opposed and had acted on the previous survey, there would have been no need for a fresh one,” he said.
Dr Yathindra refuted opposition claims that the re-survey was being undertaken to safeguard his father's position as Chief Minister. “What does this have to do with power? If the Caste Census isn’t conducted, will my father lose his post? His position is secure. It is the BJP’s job to criticise. We are conducting the census to uplift all communities—socially and educationally,” he asserted.
Responding to speculation that the Chief Minister had faced a setback before the Congress high command over the survey, Dr Yathindra dismissed such claims. “This is not a setback. In fact, discussions at the high command level are a positive sign. It shows that the leadership is serious about the issue. They have simply advised us to take all stakeholders into confidence before proceeding. States like Telangana and Bihar have completed similar surveys in a short span of time,” he pointed out.
Asked about the ongoing speculation regarding a possible power-sharing arrangement in November, Dr Yathindra said, “Such talk has been doing the rounds for a long time. The government and the Congress are functioning efficiently under the CM’s leadership. There is no reason to replace him. However, any decision in this regard lies with the party. No one else should comment on it.”