Bengaluru, August 7: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced that the Congress government has conducted a socio-economic survey in the state and is committed to implementing it to ensure social justice. He made this statement during the inauguration of the 11th National Convention of the National OBC Federation at the Gyaan Jyoti Auditorium in Bengaluru on Friday.
This announcement may reignite discussions around the caste census issue in Karnataka. Shivakumar stated, “We are moving forward on the principles of equal life and share for all. Discussions on equality date back to the British rule, which is why a caste census was conducted around 1931. Our leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi are also committed to conducting a caste census.”
He emphasized that all sections of society should have equal opportunities and that the Constitution grants rights to every community. The Karnataka government has a separate department for backward classes, which will receive funding to address their needs. He noted that two-thirds of the ministers in the state cabinet belong to backward classes, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and minority communities.
Shivakumar remarked, “Reservation for OBCs was provided during the reign of Mysore ruler Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar. This is a part of Karnataka’s history. The backward class represents nearly 52 percent of the population in the country. You have built the nation with your skills, knowledge, and hard work. You are the true creators of the country, and we are fully aware of your demands.”
He mentioned that reservations are also being provided in local bodies. During the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, he had asked former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi why these amendments were necessary. Gandhi responded that leadership should be prepared from the panchayat to the parliament.
Shivakumar added, “Rajiv Gandhi believed that a true leader is one who prepares other leaders. He wished for people from all sections of society to take on leadership roles. A caste census is essential in this country, and the central government has also initiated a door-to-door census process. Through the caste census, we can reduce the inequalities present in society.”
He praised the National OBC Federation, led by Babanrao, for working towards the rights of backward classes without any political motives. The state government is committed to fulfilling the aspirations of the people. The Congress party’s ideology, based on the principles of Basavanna and dedicated to national interest, is unwavering.
Shivakumar appealed to the people, stating that the message should reach across the country that Karnataka has a government that listens to the voices of backward classes. If they wish to protect their interests at the national level, they must stand with his party. He noted that the Congress, which played a crucial role in India’s independence, can unite all sections of society. When Sonia Gandhi had the opportunity to become Prime Minister, she chose to appoint economist Manmohan Singh for the nation’s benefit.”
He highlighted that during Manmohan Singh’s tenure, reforms in education, food security laws, and employment guarantees were implemented. Necessary changes to protect the interests of all sections were made by Congress governments. He also urged support for the demands of the OBC Federation and called for backing the Congress party.
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