Will take to streets if caste census report not accepted: Siddaramaiah

Bengaluru: Opposition leader Siddaramaiah that the government should accept the Social and Educational Survey (Caste Census) report otherwise there will be no option but to fight on the streets.

Speaking at a news conference on Saturday, October 3, he said that the caste census, which began in 2015, has already been completed. The data were collected from every based on 55 items of questions and Rs 162.77 crores has been spent for this. the data collected through the census will be the basis for future social-economic planning and setting reservation quotas. Therefore, we demand the government immediate action on it.

“The caste system won’t be strengthened from the caste census as alleged. Instead, it will give us the required understanding of the economic, social and educational status of each community and individual. Programs can then be formulated and funded based on that understanding. It is the responsibility of the government to bring the oppressed community to the mainstream. The Mandal Commission also emphasized this. Speaking on social justice is not enough, appropriate action must be taken for it,” he stated.

Speaking on the bye-election to the assembly constituency seats, Siddaramaiah said: “There are many aspirants in the Congress to contest the Rajarajeshwari Nagar Assembly constituency bye-election. The candidate will be finalized in two to three days.”

Responding to a question on Hanumantharayappa, he replied: “It is true that he (Hanumantharayappa) visited me. However, I advised him that he should meet KPCC president DK Shivakumar, MP DK Suresh and local leaders of the constituency. He will be meeting them soon.”