BENGALURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lashed out at the state BJP leaders for calling for a boycott of the ongoing socio-economic and educational survey, popularly known as the caste survey, being conducted by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes.
The CM asked if the BJP leaders will also oppose the census announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Will you (BJP leaders) also oppose the caste census of the Central Government? If yes, then say it loudly now. Do you, who do not have the courage to speak up in front of the Prime Minister, have the courage to oppose that census? Why are you making the intelligent people of the state laughable with your stupid statements?” he questioned the state BJP leaders.
By opposing the state’s survey, the “true colours” of those who shout “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” are being revealed now, the CM said.
“The people of the state should understand this self-deceptive behaviour of BJP leaders. Throw their politically motivated nonsense statements to the dustbin, and everyone should participate in the ongoing social, economic and educational survey and fully cooperate. Through this, let us all come together to build an equal society and make Karnataka a garden of peace for all the communities,” the CM appealed to the citizens of the state.
The Chief Minister said that the BJP leaders were exposing themselves before the public by calling for a boycott of the state’s survey. Siddaramaiah accused the BJP leaders of being status quoists, as they don’t want equality and wish the poor and the backward people to remain as they are.
“The survey being conducted by us is not limited to any one caste or religion. This is a social, economic and educational survey of the 7 crore people of the state. This is not against anyone; this is a survey for everyone. Its main objective is to achieve social, economic and educational equality and give equal share and life to everyone,” Siddaramaiah said.
The survey conducted by the State Government will not only reveal the situation of Dalits, backward castes, and minority communities, but also that of the poor and deprived among the forward castes, and the BJP does not want to know this reality, the CM said.
“Women should remain deprived of opportunities... inequality between castes and classes should continue... this is the mentality of the BJP leaders. Their opposition is rooted in the intent that wealth, opportunities, and representation must remain concentrated only in the hands of the privileged within every caste and religion,” he said.
Siddaramaiah said that the Bihar government, in which the BJP is an alliance partner, has conducted a caste-based social, economic and educational survey. “The same thing has happened in Telangana too. BJP leaders have kept their mouths shut there too,” the chief minister said.