No question of trampling any caste: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah

Defending the social and educational survey — widely referred to as the "caste census" —Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said those opposing the creation of an egalitarian society are making "misleading statements" about it.The Chief Minister said, Union Minister Somanna's allegation that the survey is being conducted to oppress the upper castes is childish. The CM also clarified that he has no stand regarding the demand for a separate religious status by the Lingayat community. "The demand for Lingayats to be a separate religion is a matter of foreground. Neither foreground nor background. Some reclusive Swamijis talk about it", Siddaramaiah said. 

ಮೇಲ್ಜಾತಿಗಳನ್ನು ತುಳಿಯಲು ಸಮೀಕ್ಷೆ ನಡೆಸಲಾಗುತ್ತಿದೆ ಎಂಬ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಸಚಿವ ಸೋಮಣ್ಣ ಅವರ ಆರೋಪ ಬಾಲಿಶವಾದುದ್ದು. ಜನರ ಆರ್ಥಿಕ, ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ ಹಾಗೂ ಶೈಕ್ಷಣಿಕ ಸಮೀಕ್ಷೆಯನ್ನು ನಡೆಸದಿದ್ದರೆ, ಸಮಾಜದಲ್ಲಿ ಜನರ ಸ್ಥಿತಿಗತಿ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಅರಿಯಲು ಸಾಧ್ಯವಿಲ್ಲ. ಈ ಸಮೀಕ್ಷೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಯಾವ ಜಾತಿಯವರನ್ನು ತುಳಿಯುವ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಯಿಲ್ಲ. ಸಮಸಮಾಜ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣವನ್ನು… pic.twitter.com/VwG6BEazzN

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) October 6, 2025

He said any decision on extending the caste survey’s deadline will be taken after assessing the coverage achieved by Tuesday evening.  "There is no question of who is being oppressed. An equal society should be built. Ninety-seven per cent of the survey has been done in the Koppal district," he said.

(State Correspondent)