Bengaluru, 11 June

Leader of Opposition R Ashoka on Wednesday termed the Congress high command’s decision to conduct a fresh caste census in Karnataka as an “embarrassment” and “defeat” for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, calling it a political “victory” for Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

The BJP leader said the decision, made after a meeting with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, reflects a lack of faith in Siddaramaiah’s previous defence of the Kantharaju Commission report, which he insisted on implementing despite widespread criticism. “This is a slap in the face for Siddaramaiah. He should resign. Over Rs 160 crore has already been wasted,” Ashoka said.

Criticising the plan to complete the survey within 90 days, Ashoka questioned the feasibility of conducting such a massive exercise during the academic year and dismissed the idea of an online survey as “illogical”.

He alleged that the renewed survey is a diversion tactic from the recent IPL victory parade tragedy and demanded public consultations and an all-party meeting before proceeding.

Ashoka also welcomed the ED raids against a Congress MP and three MLAs in connection with the Rs 187 crore Valmiki Development Corporation scam, claiming the misappropriated funds were used for election purposes. He said Siddaramaiah had already admitted to wrongdoing. “Congress cannot cry vendetta when their own Chief Minister acknowledged the scam,” he added, demanding that all names involved be made public.