Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], September 29 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday lambasted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for opposing the ongoing caste survey, accusing them of "exposing themselves" and said that it was not against anyone, but remains crucial to achieve social, economic and educational equality among seven crore people in the state.
"As our government begins the socio-economic and educational survey, the true colours of those who are shouting 'Sab ka Saath, Sab ka Vikas' are being revealed. State BJP leaders are coming out one by one and exposing themselves before the public by calling for a boycott of our survey," Siddaramaiah said in a statement.
He stated that the Socio-Economic and Education Survey, popularly known as the caste census or survey, being carried out by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes was not limited to any particular caste or religion, but was meant for everyone.
"The survey being conducted by the State Backward Classes Permanent Commission is not limited to any one caste or religion. This is a social, economic and educational survey of the seven crore people of the state. This is not against anyone; this is a survey for everyone. Its main objective is to achieve social, economic and educational equality and give equal share and life to everyone," Siddaramaiah said.
The Karnataka CM accused the BJP of wanting to "deprive women of opportunities" and said that the opposition party in the state intends for caste and class inequality to persist.
"Wealth, opportunity and representation should all remain as they are. The poor should remain poor, the backward should remain behind. Women should remain deprived of opportunities. Inequality between castes and classes should continue; this is the mentality of the BJP leaders," Siddaramaiah said.
He said that the BJP doesn't want the caste survey to be conducted since it will reveal the condition of Dalits, backward classes and minority communities.
"The survey conducted by our government will not only reveal the condition of Dalits, backward castes and minority communities, but also the condition of the poor and deprived among the advanced castes. The BJP does not want to know this reality," the Karnataka CM added.
Siddaramaiah further questioned the BJP leaders opposing the caste survey in Karnataka while remaining silent on similar exercises in Bihar and Telangana. He asked whether BJP leaders would oppose the proposed caste census by the centre.
"In Bihar, the coalition government has conducted a caste-based social, economic and educational survey. The same thing has happened in Telangana as well. BJP leaders have kept their mouths shut there too. To top it all, now the BJP government led by Narendra Modi at the Centre is going to conduct a caste census," the Karnataka CM said.
"BJP leaders who are opposing the social, economic and educational survey being conducted in Karnataka, considering castes, are you also opposing the caste census of the central government? If you are opposing it, say it loudly now. Do you, who do not have the courage to speak up in front of the Prime Minister, have the courage to oppose this? Why are you making the intelligent people of the state laughable with your stupid statements?" he asked.
Urging people to disregard the BJP's claims, Siddaramaiah said that everyone must participate in and cooperate with the ongoing survey to build an equal society.
"The people of the state should understand this self-deceptive behaviour of BJP leaders. Throw their politically motivated statements in the dustbin at home, and everyone should participate in the ongoing social, economic, and educational survey, giving full cooperation. Through this, let us all come together to build an equal society," he added.