A file photo of Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah
| Photo Credit: M A Sriram

MYSURU

Days after the Congress government announced a fresh caste census in Karnataka, Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah said the State Government was unable to implement the earlier report, which would have ensured more reservation to backward classes, due to opposition from certain sections.

Addressing a public meeting at Karadikoppalu in Mandya on June 15, Mr. Yathindra said a comprehensive report had been submitted on the social, educational and economic condition of different castes after a survey was conducted during Mr. Siddaramaiah’s earlier tenure as Chief Minister. “If implemented, the backward classes, who have been denied of opportunities for a long period of time, would have got more reservation,” he said.

But, the report could not be implemented due to strong opposition from certain sections that sought to raise ‘small’ objections, like the lapse of 10 years since the census was conducted (in 2015), he said.

Pointing out that the survey will now have to be conducted afresh, Mr. Yathindra said the earlier report had showed that backward classes are in large numbers, accounting for more than 50% of the population, and adding up to about 75%, including Muslims. “But, the opportunities for the backward classes were not in proportion to their population. So, the reservation for them should be increased,” he said.

Mr. Yathindra said an increase in the quantum of reservation would benefit even Vokkaligas and Lingayats, as they are also ‘shudras’, and part of the backward classes. While the previous BJP government planned to snatch the 4% reservation from Muslims and give 2% each to Vokkaligas and Lingayats, the earlier caste census report would have ensured 3% to each, he added.

Referring to the 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections among Forward Castes, the Congress MLC regretted that the same was implemented without any objection even though they account for just 4% of the population in Karnataka.

He called upon the gathering to introspect and support only leaders who fought for their rights.