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The political landscape in Karnataka is heating up as Siddaramaiah, the Congress Chief Minister, navigates a complex situation. Facing allegations of a scam within the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), Siddaramaiah has opted for a bold maneuver: potentially releasing the state's caste census report, officially known as the Socioeconomic and Educational Census. This move, however, comes with potential pitfalls and has already sparked controversy among various political factions.
The caste census report, completed in 2018 after years of delays, has remained under wraps. However, with pressure mounting over the alleged MUDA scam, Siddaramaiah has indicated a willingness to release the report, seemingly as a countermeasure against his political rivals. The report, which was conducted during his first term in 2014, is viewed as a tool to solidify his standing within the Backward Class community and potentially boost his legacy, drawing parallels to the renowned OBC leader and former Congress CM Devaraj Urs.
The move has triggered a wave of reactions, both within the Congress and from opposition parties. While some Congress leaders, including Home Minister G Parameshwara, maintain a cautious stance, emphasizing the need for Cabinet discussion before any decision, others, like MLC B K Hariprasad, advocate for immediate release, even at the cost of government instability. Meanwhile, the BJP and the JD(S) have denounced the potential release as a mere political maneuver aimed at diverting attention from the MUDA scandal.
The caste census report, commissioned in 2014 at a cost of Rs 169 crore, was met with opposition from certain sections of the state's population. Notably, Deputy CM D K Shivakumar signed a petition against the report after facing pressure from groups like the Vokkaligara Sangha and the All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha, who deemed the survey unscientific. This opposition highlights the potential ramifications of releasing the report, particularly its impact on the Vokkaligas and Lingayats, the two dominant communities in Karnataka. Publicising the report could potentially alienate these groups while failing to release it might weaken Siddaramaiah's support base among the communities that propelled him to power.
The political ramifications of this decision are significant. Siddaramaiah's strategy is evident: to deflect attention from the MUDA scandal and solidify his base within the OBC community. However, the move is not without risks. It could further divide the Congress party, alienate influential communities, and, in the eyes of the opposition, further expose his vulnerability. The upcoming Cabinet meeting on October 18 will be crucial in determining whether Siddaramaiah will proceed with releasing the report and the potential consequences that may follow.
Source: Cornered over scam allegations, Siddaramaiah dangles ‘caste census’ carrot, but will it backfire?