Constitution and Ambedkarism are a must for India’s unity: Mahadevappa

Bengaluru: Days after the Congress-led Karnataka government initiated a survey of SCs to collect empirical data and provide internal reservation to SCs, Social Welfare Minister Dr H C Mahadevappa, a prominent SC (Right) leader, discussed with DH’s Sujay B M about caste census, the Congress’ commitment to social justice and other topical issues. Excerpts

A comprehensive survey of SCs to collect empirical data began earlier this week. Will it finally fulfil the decades-long demand of the Madiga community for internal reservation??

It’s our manifesto promise to implement internal reservation and the Supreme Court has allowed states to make their decisions. Though many prominent Dalit leaders, including Mayawati, have opposed it, our government is committed to providing internal reservation. SC is a generic term which contains 101 castes in Karnataka. Since we are asking the people to mention primary castes (moola jati) along with categories like Adi Karnataka (AK), Adi Dravida (AD) and Adi Andhra (AA), there will be no confusion. Based on the data, the government will provide internal reservation. A lot of Dalit leaders have social welfare ministers but I am happy that this decision is taking place under my tenure.

In Telangana, another Congress-ruled state, Madigas have protested even after getting 9% reservation after internal reservation was enacted. If similar protests erupt in Karnataka, how will you deal with it?

I don’t foresee anything like that. First, let the exercise be completed. All the sub-castes amongst SCs should get justice.

Does the Centre’s decision to conduct a caste census of its own threaten the validity of the Jayaprakash Hegde commission report??

The Kantharaj Commission conducted a scientific social and educational survey of backward classes to increase their reservation quota. To build an equitable society and allocate funds in the Budget for welfare programmes, we must understand the socio-educational and employment situations of Dalits, backward classes and minorities. For this, we need a survey.

The caste census has found SCs to be the single largest group in the state. The community supported the Congress for both 2023 and 24 polls. Will they continue backing the Congress??

The Congress Working Committee adopted a resolution called ‘Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan.’ This is a major decision by the party that ruled the country for 60 years. The state government has started awareness drives about the Constitution, including reading the preamble in schools, colleges and universities. People who wanted to change the Constitution are also saluting it now. If India is to remain united, the Constitution and Ambedkarism are a must.

Last year, you had publicly lamented that there hasn’t been a Dalit CM in Karnataka since the community votes for ideology but hasn’t followed any particular leader. Will Karnataka’s first Dalit CM be from Congress?

Earlier, Dalits used to just vote for Ambedkar’s ideology. But we need political power also. Ambedkar had himself said that mere reservations without Dalits being in policy-making positions was not very useful. The working class must become the ruling class. Through mere meetings and resolutions there cannot be a Dalit CM. However, If a leader can enthuse the community and mobilise 10,000 votes each from each of the 224 constituencies, how can anyone prevent a Dalit CM???

BJP has accused the Congress of diverting SCSP/TSP funds for guarantees.

BJP is not concerned about providing good administration, development or building an equitable society. They just try to make noise through such sensitive issues. This is their programme.

Dalit activists have sought the removal of section 7C in the SCSP/TSP Act. However, department officials say that 7C is crucial for the Act’s sustenance. How will you deal with their demand??

In Karnataka, Dalit organisations have selflessly fought for the Constitution, social justice and equality. Their contribution to government policy is of paramount importance. I also hail from a background of Dalit activism and there’s nothing wrong with them feeling that the community needs more funds. We have only framed the Act that way but we can reexamine it when the state’s financial health improves.

BJP accuses Congress of being responsible for Dr Ambedkar's defeat in the 1952 elections.

While the Congress contested to win the polls, the Hindu Mahasabha and Communist party worked for his defeat, as Ambedkar has himself written in a letter. Definitely it would have been great if all parties had shown the largeheartedness to unanimously elect Ambedkar. BJP takes up sensitive issues for political mileage but history will reveal itself.

How do you look at the performance of the Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society (KREIS) in the SSLC exams??

It’s excellent that KREIS schools have registered a pass rate of 92%. Several students have bagged top ranks.

The condition of state-run SC/ST hostels is quite poor. How will you tackle this??

I have held a meeting with wardens and principals and have directed them to upload the daily menu and we are getting a good response. We have decided to supply food based on nutritional requirements to the students.

In the just-announced second PU exams results, SC community has had the least passing percentage. This was also the case in 2024. What is the department doing to improve performances in 2026??

Yes, there have to be improvements. It has to be initiated by the Education Department, where they speak to all officials and understand what problems the students are facing.