As Karnataka caste survey runs into stiff headwind, what’s next for Siddaramaiah’s pet project?
Karnataka’s political landscape is once again focused on a contentious issue: the caste survey. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s long-standing plan to introduce an updated caste census has hit fresh resistance. While his government aims to promote social justice, the opposition is mounting fast. This raises a pressing question—what comes next?
A Push for Social Justice
Siddaramaiah has long advocated for a caste census. To him, it’s more than just statistics. It’s about ensuring fair representation and delivering targeted benefits to backward and marginalized communities.
The data would help the government understand the socio-economic status of various castes. This, in turn, would guide welfare schemes and possibly lead to a restructured reservation policy.
Why Karnataka Rejected the 2015 Survey
In 2015, Siddaramaiah’s earlier government conducted a state-wide caste and socio-economic survey. However, the report never saw the light of day. Critics said it undercounted key communities, including Lingayats and Vokkaligas.
As discontent grew, the Congress government decided to discard the report. Officials said the data had become outdated and unreliable. That decision has now paved the way for a new, time-bound survey.
A Fresh Start, With a Tight Deadline
In early June 2025, the Karnataka Cabinet approved a new caste census. Officials have just 90 days to complete the task. The government says it will use updated methods and cover the entire state quickly.
However, experts believe this timeline is too ambitious. The 2015 survey had 52 questions and reached over 1.3 crore households. Repeating that effort—even partially—requires a huge workforce and public participation. It may not be realistic to expect accurate results in such a short period.
Community Backlash and Internal Friction
Powerful communities like the Lingayats and Vokkaligas have opposed the survey. They fear it could reduce their representation in the political and social space. These groups have protested before and are likely to raise their voices again if they feel threatened.
Within the Congress party, there is also division. Senior leader B.K. Hariprasad has insisted that the government must retain all 52 questions. He believes skipping key questions would damage the integrity of the results. Others argue that a shorter, more focused survey would save time and ease tensions.
Congress High Command Steps In
Interestingly, the decision to launch a new survey didn’t come from the Karnataka government alone. Siddaramaiah has said the Congress national leadership advised the move. After Bihar’s successful caste survey, the Congress party hopes to replicate the model in other states.
The All India Congress Committee (AICC) views caste surveys as a way to reconnect with OBC and Dalit voters. With the 2029 general elections in sight, the party wants to be seen as pro-backward class. That puts additional pressure on Karnataka to deliver quick and clean results.
Parallel Focus: SC Sub-Caste Data
Alongside the caste census, the Karnataka government plans to collect data on Scheduled Caste (SC) sub-groups. Communities like Adi Karnataka, Adi Dravida, Holeya, and Madiga have long demanded internal reservation.
A commission led by Justice Nagamohan Das is reviewing this matter. Its findings could lead to a separate data collection effort. If that happens, the state will need to manage two sensitive exercises at the same time.
Risks and Rewards
A well-executed survey could become a turning point for Karnataka’s welfare programs. With reliable data, the government can tailor schemes more effectively. Marginalized groups could finally receive the support they need.
But failure comes with high stakes. If the survey is rushed or flawed, it could trigger protests and legal challenges. The opposition will seize every chance to criticize the process. Mistakes could cost the Congress votes in future elections.
What Needs to Happen
The success of the survey depends on how the government handles these challenges:
| Challenge | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Time | The 90-day deadline is very short for statewide data collection. |
| Accuracy | Incomplete or skewed data could spark community outrage. |
| Manpower | The state must mobilize enough trained staff to gather responses. |
| Political Unity | Divisions within Congress could derail the project. |
| Transparency | The process must be open to public and judicial scrutiny. |
Can Siddaramaiah Deliver?
Siddaramaiah has staked his legacy on this survey. His supporters believe he genuinely wants to uplift backward classes. Yet, his opponents claim the move is driven by vote-bank politics.
The truth may lie somewhere in between. Yes, the survey could benefit the Congress in future elections. But it could also empower communities that have long lived on the margins.
To succeed, Siddaramaiah must find balance. He must win over skeptical communities, keep his party united, and ensure the survey is fair and transparent.
Final Thoughts
The caste census is more than a data project. It is a political, social, and emotional exercise. If done right, it could reshape Karnataka’s development story. If it falters, it might deepen divides and damage the Congress’s image.
All eyes are now on Siddaramaiah. He must prove that bold promises can lead to real progress—even when the road is filled with obstacles.
