BJP leader Pramod Madhwaraj on Wednesday urged the Karnataka government to immediately disclose the OBC caste census report, accusing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of misleading backward communities by wasting a decade on the survey.
BJP criticises delay in OBC survey
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Madhwaraj noted that both Bihar and Telangana governments completed their OBC surveys within one year. He contrasted this with Karnataka, where the survey has dragged on for 10 years under Siddaramaiah's leadership. "The Chief Minister has misled the backward communities by wasting 10 years on this survey. It is time to release the report and take concrete action," Madhwaraj said.
Demand for transparency
The BJP leader demanded that the state government make the report public without further delay. He argued that the delay was a deliberate attempt to avoid implementing measures for OBC welfare. "The people have a right to know the findings. The government should not hide behind excuses," he added.
Political implications
The OBC caste census is a politically sensitive issue in Karnataka, where backward communities form a significant voting bloc. The Siddaramaiah-led Congress government has faced criticism from the BJP and other opposition parties for the prolonged delay. The BJP's demand for disclosure is likely to intensify the political debate ahead of upcoming elections.
Madhwaraj also referenced the successful completion of similar surveys in Bihar and Telangana, suggesting that Karnataka could have adopted a similar timeline. "If other states can do it in a year, why can't Karnataka? This shows the government's lack of commitment," he said.
