Bommai Accuses Siddaramaiah of Manipulating Caste Census for Political Gain

In a recent press conference in Bengaluru, Basavaraj Bommai, the BJP Member of Parliament for Haveri-Gadag, accused Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of leveraging the ongoing caste census as a political strategy to fortify his position within the Congress Party. This statement comes amid growing leadership tensions, particularly concerning the aspirations of Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

Bommai asserted that the socio-economic survey, also referred to as the caste census, serves primarily to protect Siddaramaiah’s political future. He claimed that the timing of the census is designed to undermine Shivakumar’s potential bid for the chief ministership, particularly as factions within Congress are pushing for Shivakumar to take over in December 2023.

Concerns Over Caste Data Collection

Questioning the rationale behind collecting caste data in socio-economic surveys, Bommai emphasized that the Chief Minister had instructed the commission to deliver the census report by December, suggesting a politically motivated timeline. He remarked, “Why is caste necessary for such surveys?” indicating that the data collection could be more about political maneuvering than genuine socio-economic analysis.

Bommai also contended that the state government does not possess the authority to conduct the caste census, asserting that such jurisdiction rests solely with the central government. His comments reflect a broader concern among the BJP regarding the implications of the census on both political dynamics and community identities.

Allegations of Religious Manipulation

In his remarks, Bommai took issue with the inclusion of a column for recording religious conversions to Christianity in the census. He pointed out that the Indian Constitution recognizes only six religions, arguing that introducing a new category for converted Christians is unconstitutional and politically motivated. “Conversions happen on both sides, but why has the CM only legitimized conversions to Christianity?” he asked, adding that Siddaramaiah’s approach appears to prioritize certain religious conversions while disregarding others.

Bommai further criticized the state’s anti-conversion law, suggesting that economic hardship and lack of education often drive conversions. He questioned the legal basis for adding the converts’ column, demanding clarity on the authority that sanctioned this decision.

Additionally, he mockingly commented on the inclusion of an “atheist” category in the census, implying that it was designed specifically for Siddaramaiah. He also expressed concerns about identity confusion within the community, which is sometimes referred to as a new religion or categorized under various names such as Veerashaiva or Lingayat.

As these discussions unfold, Bommai indicated that senior BJP leaders are seriously examining the implications of the caste census and its potential impact on Karnataka’s political landscape. His statements underline the ongoing complexity surrounding caste and religious identities in Indian politics, particularly in the context of the forthcoming leadership challenges within the Congress Party.