Bengaluru, May 3: The BJP has intensified its demand for the immediate implementation of internal reservation for Scheduled Castes in Karnataka, urging Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to announce a definitive date—preferably June 10—before the upcoming state-wide caste-based survey begins on May 5.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP state office in Malleshwaram, senior party leaders including former Deputy Chief Minister and MP Govind Karajol, former Union Minister A. Narayanaswamy, state spokesperson H. Venkatesh Dodderi, and SC Morcha Vice President Hoodi Manjunath criticized the Congress-led state government for its delay and lack of clarity.
They highlighted that the Supreme Court’s landmark verdict on August 1 last year empowered state governments to implement internal reservation, resolving a long-standing issue pending for over 30 years. While states like Haryana, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh acted swiftly, the BJP accused the Karnataka government of dragging its feet due to internal pressures.
“The Siddaramaiah government claims to champion social justice, but its inaction has embarrassed Karnataka in front of other states,” said Govind Karajol. He emphasized the need for strong political will and transparency to instill confidence among Scheduled Caste communities.
The BJP delegation, which recently met the chairman of the commission overseeing the survey, urged the government to ensure smooth execution of the survey and early release of its findings. The survey is expected to conclude by May 20, with technology expected to accelerate the report generation process.
The leaders also pointed to inconsistencies within the Congress cabinet regarding the Kantaraju Committee report, noting that key Dalit leaders have maintained a dual stance, neither endorsing nor opposing it. The BJP asserted that this ambiguity must end and demanded Siddaramaiah show his commitment by setting an official implementation date before the survey begins.
