Koppal/Bengaluru, 6 Oct

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday defended the ongoing Social and Educational Survey, popularly known as the caste survey, asserting that those opposed to an egalitarian society are making "misleading statements" against it.

“Without data, how will we understand the social, educational, and financial status of people? This survey is essential,” he told reporters in Koppal. He dismissed allegations that the exercise aims to suppress upper castes, stating, “There’s no question of suppression. Those resisting social change are the ones opposing the survey.”

The survey, conducted by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, began on 22 September and is scheduled to conclude on 7 October. By Sunday evening, 1.10 crore households — about 63 per cent, had been covered.

Siddaramaiah said a decision on extending the deadline will be taken after reviewing coverage on Tuesday evening.

Home Minister G Parameshwara echoed this, saying the Chief Minister will consult officials and district-wise data before deciding. “Around 70–80 per cent of the state has been covered. With an extension of three to four days, the rest can be completed,” he said in Bengaluru.

Parameshwara acknowledged technical glitches and enumerator issues but said these are common in such large-scale exercises. He urged political leaders and citizens to cooperate, noting that opinions from leaders like D K Shivakumar and V Somanna should not derail the process.

On the Lingayat community’s renewed demand for separate religious status, Siddaramaiah said, “I have no stand. We will record what people declare during the survey."