Caste Census cannot be lost, safe in computer: MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah

Mysuru: MLC Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah said, even if the original copy of the Socio-Economic and Educational Survey, popularly known as Caste Census, is not there, one need not worry, as its data might be stored safely in the computer. The former chairman of the Karnataka State Commission for Backwards Classes will clarify this, he said.

Speaking to media persons, in Mysuru, on Monday, Dr Yathindra, also Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's son, was replying to a question on the issue that the original copy of the caste census is missing.

Baseless charge

Regarding Opposition Leader R Ashoka's allegation that the original copy is in the Chief Minister’s house, Dr Yathindra said, there is no substance in such an accusation.

In reply to a question, he said, “The notion that injustice will be done to the dominant communities, because the CM belongs to a backwards class, is prejudiced. The caste census is only a part of the survey and will not do injustice to anyone. It will be beneficial to all. It will help to understand the population and the economic, social, and industrial status of each caste. It has been recommended to increase the reservation limit.

Benefits

Dr Yathindra said, “Lingayats and Vokkaligas also come under the backwards classes. During the BJP government, 2% reservation was increased for 3a and 3 B. However, the BC Commission has recommended a 3% increase. It has recommended an increase - from 32% to 51% - in OBC reservation. Out of the increased 19% quota, 6% will be given to Lingayats and Vokkaligas, as per their population. Their accusations are prejudiced, without any evidence. Can the CM influence the lakhs of teachers who conducted the census?”

Regarding the accusations that the caste census has been introduced to save the CM's chair, he asked, What danger has befallen the chair now? “There is no danger to the CM’s seat. It is safe. Has anyone asked Siddaramaiah to step down? Even when the MUDA filed a false case, our MLAS and the high command stood by Siddaramaiah. Thus, there is no danger to the CM's seat”, he said.

Commitment

Regarding the court reserving its order on the ED investigation of the MUDA case, Dr Yathindra said, it has no connection with the presentation of the caste census report. “There were more difficult situations earlier. If needed, the census could have been brought up then. It is only Siddaramaiah's commitment to conduct the caste census,” he said.

He said, even if the MUDA case is handed over to the ED, there is no need for Siddaramaiah to resign. “If the court’s order is not favourable, we will appeal against it. There is no truth in the MUDA case. Thus, Siddaramaiah need not be afraid. They are harassing us by wanting the ED to probe. We will continue our legal battle. Let the MUDA case be given to the CBI also. We have not committed any mistake. The BJP is misusing investigative agencies, wherever there are non-BJP governments,” Dr Yathindra said.

Janivara, Hijab same stand

Regarding the removal of the sacred thread (Janivara) of Brahmin students, during the CET, Dr Yathindra said, his stand is the same in both incidents - Janivara and Hijab. “Action has already been taken. There is no need for the BJP to politicise this. We have already admitted that removing the Janivara was wrong. We have condemned it. Appropriate arrangements will be made for the student’s future studies. BJP's politics on the issue is not right,” he said.