Congress Directs Karnataka To Re-evaluate Caste Census Amidst Concerns

The Congress party has conveyed to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to redo its caste census due to accuracy concerns raised by officials.

The Congress party's central leadership has instructed Karnataka government to undertake a fresh re-enumeration process for the state's caste census, acknowledging concerns from various sections about its accuracy and inclusiveness. This directive was conveyed to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar during their meeting with the high command in Delhi on Tuesday.

Karnataka Caste Census

The decision to re-examine the data comes after numerous MLAs, ministers, and MPs within the party raised issues, highlighting that the previous census, conducted a decade ago, contained outdated information and lacked comprehensive representation.

"We have suggested to the CM to do a re-enumeration process within a stipulated time, like 60 or 70 days, whatever the CM and the government are considering. Do a re-enumeration of these numbers. This is what we have decided on the caste census," revealed AICC National General Secretary KC Venugopal, as per a report on IANS. He affirmed the party's principled support for the state's approach to the caste census but acknowledged public apprehensions about the prior enumeration process.

Congress High Command On Bengaluru Stampede

During their meeting with top Congress leaders, including AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, CM Siddaramaiah and Dy CM Shivakumar also briefed the central leadership on the recent stampede in Bengaluru. The incident, which occurred on June 4 during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's victory celebrations, resulted in the loss of 11 lives.

AICC National General Secretary KC Venugopal confirmed that the central leadership expressed profound concern over the unfortunate event. However, he clarified that the party would not intervene in the state government's functioning while a judicial inquiry into the incident is underway.

Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala was also present at the discussions. Venugopal reiterated the party's commitment to the value of every human life and underscored that the Karnataka government has already initiated a judicial inquiry to ascertain the exact circumstances of the stampede and the subsequent actions taken.