I don't accept caste census for any reason: Congress MLA

Davangere: Channagiri MLA Basavaraju V Shivaganga stated that the social and educational survey report (caste census) conducted a decade ago is quite confusing. "I do not agree with it for any reason."

Addressing media persons here on Monday, he said "I am committed to the stance taken by MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa, who is also the president of the All India Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha, on the caste census issue. The government should have discussed the report before releasing it. It will be embarrassing for the government if it releases the report and moves to amend it."

He said the survey says that there are 67 thousand Lingayats belonging to Sadara, sub-sect in Veerashaiva-Lingayat community. There are approximately 60 thousand Sadara Lingayats in the Channagiri assembly constituency alone. "I do not understand how the census was conducted. There are 1.25 crore Veerashaiva Lingayats in the state. It would be beneficial if the number of people belonging to each caste is given transparently," he said in response to a question.