Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah to Speak on Caste Census After April 17 Cabinet Meeting:

Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah said on Monday that he will speak on the caste census only after a special cabinet review scheduled for April 17.

While addressing the press after paying respect to B.R. Ambedkar on his 134th birth anniversary, he mentioned, “We have organized a cabinet meeting on April 17 to discuss this one issue. There we will talk. I will issue a statement after discussion.”

Context of the Caste Census

The Karnataka cabinet approved the report of the Survey – Socio Economic And Educational Survey popularly known as the caste census on Karnataka SSC exam 2023 date. The census was initiated during Siddaramaiah’s earlier term as Chief Minister and was being conducted by the State Backward Classes Commission under the leadership of H Kantharaju.

Data collection was done in 2018 and the report was completed in February 2024 under the later chairmanship of K Jayaprakash Hegde.

Responding to BJP Allegations on Ambedkar's Election Loss

BJP alleged that the congress party was the reason for Dr. Ambedkar's electoral defeat, to which Siddaramaiah responded by mentioning a letter wherein Dr. Ambedkar places the blame on V.D. Savarkar and Sripad Dange claiming it was their doing.

Criticism of BJP’s Use of National Icons
Not only this, but Siddaramaiah expressed his disdain toward the BJP for even attempting to make the leaders Ambedkar and Gandhi their own.

“Those who opposed and eventually gunned down Mahatma Gandhi are the very people trying to make him theirs,” he says. “Manuvadis who opposed and attempted to undermine the Constitution of India are suddenly claiming claim it too, alongside Gandhi, Patel, and even Ambedkar.”