BJP Alleges congress Using Caste Census to Divide Veerashaiva-Lingayat Community in Karnataka
Karnataka bjp President B.Y. Vijayendra has accused the Congress-led state government of using the upcoming caste census as a political tool to divide the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community.
The caste census, officially termed the “social and educational survey,” is scheduled to be conducted across karnataka from 22 september to 7 October, with an estimated cost of ₹420 crore.
Vijayendra stated that the congress government's real agenda is not data collection but creating divisions within the Hindu community, especially targeting the influential Veerashaiva-Lingayat group.
He alleged that the congress has no legal authority to carry out a caste census and is disguising it under the banner of a socio-economic survey.
The bjp leader claimed this is not the first attempt by congress to divide the community. He pointed out that similar efforts had been made in the past during earlier congress regimes.
In response to the survey, top bjp leaders, including former Chief Ministers B.S. Yediyurappa, Basavaraj Bommai, jagadish Shettar, and Union minister V. Somanna, held a high-level meeting to discuss the issue and plan a strategy.
The leaders unanimously agreed that it is crucial for the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community to remain united and resist any attempts to create rifts under the pretext of a census.
The bjp has also decided to engage with the All india Veerashaiva Mahasabha and various community saints to ensure clarity and solidarity within the community.
When asked about the Mahasabha’s earlier appeal to identify as "Veerashaiva-Lingayat" instead of Hindu in the census, Vijayendra responded that the party aims to resolve any confusion and ensure collective decision-making.
He emphasized that BJP’s goal is to work for the betterment of the country, the state, and the community by maintaining unity and resisting divisive politics.
Vijayendra concluded that the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community is well aware of Congress’s political motives and will not fall for attempts to divide them.
click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel