Caste census triggers political slugfest between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and JD(S) 

The caste census announced by the Centre recently triggered a political slugfest between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Janata Dal (Secular) in Karnataka on Sunday.

While Mr. Siddaramaiah accused former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda of following a dual policy on the issue of caste census by opposing Karnataka’s caste census and welcoming a similar exercise announced by the Centre, the JD(S) said it had opposed the State caste census as it “lacked procedural integrity.”

“The BJP and the JD(S) leaders, who said that such a caste census would lead to division of the society and caste wars, are now saying it (Centre’s caste census) will be good for the country. This clearly shows that their opposition to the State caste census was only for political reasons. Why is it wrong when we do it, but right when they do it?” the Chief Minister wondered, while speaking to reporters at Akki Alur town in Haveri district.

Responding to this, the JD(S) clarified that it welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to conduct a caste census as part of the next general Census. “The JD(S) did not oppose your caste census, Mr. Siddaramaiah. We only opposed its lack of procedural integrity. The figures were misleading and amounted to a tale of contradictions. The people see that now,” said the party’s post on X.

“Mr. Siddaramaiah, who grew under the tutelage of Mr. Deve Gowda and built his political career within our fold, now dares to speak of dual standards? In his frenzy to throw barbs, he has once again exposed his true colors. He (Mr. Siddaramaiah) is known for this — one body, two tongues!” stated the post.

“Mr. Deve Gowda is still active in public life. If Mr. Siddaramaiah wants to offer fair, constructive criticism, who is stopping him? But constantly spewing venom against a towering leader who gave him political birth — is that justified?”

The JD(S) post also questioned the Congress leadership: “Can they digest the venomous remarks Mr. Siddaramaiah once hurled at Indira Gandhi when he was in the Janata Parivar? Ms. Gandhi is no more, and it is thus inappropriate to recall those comments. But can the Congress really stomach them if brought back to light?”

“If the CM does not learn the decorum expected of his position and control his tongue, every one of those past comments he made — those venom-laced ‘pearls of wisdom’ — will be dragged out again,” the post stated.