KKN Gurugram Desk | Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is facing growing controversy following his reversal on the caste-based socio-economic survey known as the caste census. This move comes after the Congress high command questioned the credibility and timing of the original 2015 exercise—leading to accusations of political expediency, internal pressure, and a hasty, flawed decision.

 Original 2015 Karnataka Caste Survey Discarded

A decade ago, Karnataka conducted a caste-based survey under the Karnataka Backward Classes Commission Act – 1995. That report, widely referred to as the 2015 caste census, offered detailed socio-economic data for various communities. But last week, Siddaramaiah issued a sudden announcement:

• The 2015 report will no longer be considered valid.

• A fresh caste census will be conducted within the next 90 days, citing Section 11(1) of the 1995 Act, which mandates a decennial re-survey.

• The real motivation? The Congress high command, which was reportedly uneasy about data being a decade old, insisted on fresh numbers—a directive that Siddaramaiah publicly acknowledged.

Political U-Turn Sparks Public Backlash

This abrupt change has drawn sharp criticism:

• Critics accuse Siddaramaiah of bowing to Delhi, claiming it reflects his inability to resist central party pressure.

• Classical opposition rallies have intensified, condemning the move as evidence of Congress’s double standards around caste politics.

Karnataka BJP leader R. Ashoka remarked:

“You flip-flopped not for data or development, but to display obedience to your party’s hierarchy—not the public, not community leaders.”

Ashoka highlighted that the original 2015 survey cost ₹167 crore, posing the question: “Why squander that money again?”

 Controversy over Community Reclassification

Leaked details from the 2015 survey had stirred controversy. Notable recommendations included:

1. Kuruba community being moved from OBC Category 2A to Category 1.

2. Some influential communities (e.g., Lingayats and Vokkaligas) being excluded from OBC quotas or reclassified.

These recommendations sparked protests from Karnataka’s influential OBC, Lingayat, and Vokkaliga communities, many of which continue to wield political influence in the state.

 High Command’s Role in Caste Census Trouble

Sources in Karnataka Congress suggest the All India Congress Committee (AICC) pressed Siddaramaiah to reject the decade-old data. A senior party leader revealed:

“The AICC expressed concern that outdated data might hinder the party’s national narrative on social justice.”

Facing backlash from backward caste lobbies, the state leadership complied, citing party unity. However, many see the backflip as Siddaramaiah succumbing under pressure—damaging his reputation and empowering critics from within.

 Siddaramaiah Caught in Political Crossfire

Siddaramaiah now finds himself in a tight spot:

• He cannot defy the AICC openly.

• Many backward caste groups feel betrayed after anticipating reservations and data-backed benefits from the survey.

• With BJP campaigning intensively, he loses political high ground and credibility among his base.

Today, Siddaramaiah stands as the embodiment of Congress’s internal dilemma—balancing national messaging with regional caste aspirations.

 What Happens Next: Timeline of the New Census

Karnataka has now set a timeline—full caste-based socio-economic census results are expected in three months. The process will include:

• Household visits and data collection adhering to the 1995 Commission Act

• Categorizing communities into C1, C2A, C2B, D1, and D2

• Output intended to set eligibility for educational and job reservations

The BJP alleges that this release remains designed to aid vote calculations, especially in caste-rich southern and northern Karnataka regions.

 BJP’s Counterattack

The BJP has seized the opportunity to discredit both Siddaramaiah and Congress as caste manipulative:

• They argue the decision is a political gimmick, not a genuine step toward empowerment.

• Linking the caste census deadline to the recent deaths at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, they suggest it was designed as a smokescreen to distract from governance gaps.

This positioning allows the BJP to come across as fact-focused and governance-centric, contrasting sharply with perceived Congress pandering.

 Is a New Caste Survey Feasible?

Critics point to key challenges in re-running a caste survey:

• Methodological rigor: Census requires consistent sampling and verification

• Privacy concerns: Caste data is sensitive; disclosures may spook voters

• Administrative capability: Conducting statewide surveys in 90 days could lead to compromised data quality

These factors have stoked concerns that results may merely support political narratives—not sustainable policy design.

 Implications for Karnataka and Beyond

1. Reservation policies: New data could influence jobs and education quotas, sparking further demands from various communities.

2. Caste-based politics: A fresh census offers fodder for political campaigning in the 2028 and 2029 election cycles.

3. State-Centre relations: Seen as a case of regional leadership succumbing to central diktats, this sets a precedent for future interventions.

4. Governance vs caste calculus: The episode highlights Congress’s dilemma—should governance align with its redistribution agenda, or should it prioritize national strategy in sensitive areas?

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah now faces an uphill battle:

• Providing credible caste data

• Maintaining political capital in poll-bound regions

• Balancing regional expectations with the Congress national leadership’s agenda

Experts note conceptual clarity is needed—either produce a methodologically sound caste census, or place a longer timeline to avoid policy dilution.