Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday defended the ongoing caste census in the state, stating that communities were merely trying to protect their interests, and there was nothing wrong with this approach. Addressing criticism from political figures, including Shamanur Shivashankarappa, Shivakumar emphasized that organizations like the Veerashaiva Mahasabha had every right to voice their concerns and present their stance as per constitutional provisions.
“The Veerashaiva Mahasabha is working to safeguard the interests of their community. Why should they be criticized for this? They are within their rights to put forth their demands,” said Shivakumar. He further added that the Karnataka Chief Minister had already assured that discussions regarding the caste census would take place transparently in the Legislative Assembly.
When asked about his prior statement supporting the Vokkaliga community in relation to the caste census, he replied, “I am the President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), and it is my duty to ensure justice for all communities.” He refrained from commenting on specific census figures, such as the Vokkaliga community’s population, instead reiterating his responsibility to represent all sections of society.
On the topic of Bengaluru’s Karaga procession, Shivakumar stressed that the event was a symbol of communal harmony and should not be politicized. He pointed out that the Karaga procession involved visits to various places of worship, including a Dargah, reflecting its inclusive spirit. He clarified that regulations were in place for Karaga grants, and it was the responsibility of the District Commissioner (DC) to allocate funds properly.
Shivakumar also responded to concerns raised by the Karnataka State Contractors Association about delayed payments and interference from middlemen in government departments. He explained that the government had only been unable to clear around 10-15% of pending bills, attributing a large backlog to the previous BJP administration, which he claimed had left over Rs 1 lakh crore in unpaid bills.
