Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said Wednesday that the push for a new caste survey was a directive from the Congress party’s top leadership, not his state government—a clarification that comes amid unease within his own voter base and criticism over leaked data from an earlier enumeration.
Speaking to reporters in Chikkaballapur district, the CM acknowledged that the 2015 Kantharaj Commission report had been accepted “in principle,” but the new exercise is intended to address alleged data gaps. His tone, though, suggested discomfort, possibly over political risks tied to re-counting caste numbers so close to another election cycle.
A Political Hot Potato in Congress Hands
The caste census issue has simmered for months in Karnataka. But on Wednesday, the heat shifted squarely onto the Congress high command.
The timing was interesting. Siddaramaiah is still under fire for a deadly stampede in Bengaluru on June 4 that claimed 11 lives. Critics say the tragedy exposed serious administrative lapses. Now, the Chief Minister appears reluctant to add another controversy to his government’s growing list.
Only this time, he says the choice wasn’t his.
Two sentences, then a pause. That’s all it took for him to make clear that Delhi—not Bengaluru—was pulling the strings.
Survey vs Sentiment: Siddaramaiah’s Tightrope Walk
It’s no secret that caste arithmetic defines Karnataka’s political landscape. The original caste survey, commissioned in 2015 under Siddaramaiah’s earlier term, reportedly showed a major increase in population shares for backward classes, minorities, and Dalits. The data was never officially released.
Now, with murmurs of discontent among these communities and growing opposition pushback, Siddaramaiah seems caught in a bind.
He stated the following in Gauribidanur:
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“We won’t reject the 2015 report.”
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“It has been accepted in principle.”
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“We are only responding to complaints that it may be outdated.”
The explanation didn’t stop the questions.
Why not publish the old report then? And why agree to a new one now, knowing the backlash it could unleash?
Those close to the CM suggest he’s worried that a new enumeration could shift caste expectations and disrupt hard-won electoral coalitions.
He’s walking on eggshells—and everyone can tell.
D K Shivakumar Takes a Different Line
Unlike Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM D K Shivakumar isn’t hedging. He’s not deflecting either. He’s defending the Congress decision with both hands.
“Why such opposition when we are trying to address concerns?” he said, dismissing BJP’s criticism of the fresh survey. “We are not rejecting the Kantharaj report—we are only trying to correct its shortcomings.”
This is classic DKS. Where Siddaramaiah sees political fragility, Shivakumar sees an opening to lead the narrative.
The contrast between the two men’s tone is becoming increasingly visible:
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Siddaramaiah = Reluctant executor
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Shivakumar = Vocal enabler
And it’s not just about caste surveys. Their differing styles have sparked quiet tension in the past, especially in matters of coordination and credit sharing.
But for now, both are towing the party line—albeit in very different ways.
Congress High Command’s Calculated Gamble
Behind the scenes, this move has Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge written all over it.
On Tuesday, both Karnataka leaders were in Delhi. They were summoned, allegedly to explain the RCB victory parade tragedy that led to the stampede. But insiders say the meeting also discussed the caste survey issue in depth.
So why is Delhi insisting on a new headcount now?
Some party strategists believe a detailed caste report could help Congress shape welfare programs and electoral messaging more sharply. Others see it as a response to rising demands from sub-castes and backward groups for better representation.
Here’s a quick look at the possible political intent:
| Factor | Why it Matters |
|---|---|
| 2015 Report Leak | Showed BCs + SC/STs much higher than 50% |
| Electoral Strategy | Helps design quota, schemes, and messaging |
| BJP’s Stand | Opposes release, wary of community unrest |
| Congress High Command | Seeks control of narrative from New Delhi |
What’s also interesting is how Congress hopes to weaponize the report nationally, not just in Karnataka. Bihar’s caste census already put BJP on the defensive. Congress wants to replicate that discomfort across other Hindi-speaking states.
Backlash Brewing on the Ground
Several leaders from backward communities and Dalit groups have warned that another survey could provoke unrest. The fear is that new data may pit castes against each other over entitlements and representation.
In particular, some Muslim groups, a critical part of Congress’s Karnataka vote bank, have voiced skepticism. They argue that a new survey might dilute their visible share in social welfare programs.
In rural districts, meanwhile, officials report confusion among citizens. Some worry they’ll be moved out of beneficiary categories. Others fear being undercounted, again.
And all of this is happening while the government is still dealing with the fallout from the stampede.
One sentence. That’s all it takes to know this isn’t going away quietly.
BJP Smells an Opportunity
Predictably, the BJP isn’t missing a beat.
Its leaders have slammed the Congress for pushing what they call “divisive politics” and accused them of playing with social harmony. At the same time, they’ve refused to support releasing the 2015 data, calling it “politically manipulated.”
BJP spokespersons are already lining up the argument for the 2028 elections: That Congress can’t manage the state and is hiding behind identity politics.
And with the Lok Sabha results still fresh in memory, they believe this could be a turning point—especially if caste tensions rise in the weeks ahead.
