Amid reports of brewing differences and dissent within the Karnataka government over its caste census report, Congress veteran Veerappa Moily on Tuesday red-flagged the controversial survey, raising objections over its ‘unscientific’ approach, only to be turned down by another party member, Rashid Alvi.
Rashid Alvi, speaking to IANS, dismissed Veerappa Moily’s reservations on the caste survey as ‘unfair and untimely’ and said his assertions don’t mean anything as the census has been completed.
"The caste census has been completed in Karnataka. If Veerappa Moily wanted to raise this issue, it should have been done earlier. He should have spoken to the party high command earlier,” Alvi said.
Alvi also brushed aside fears of imminent polarisation and communal strife over the report, leading to likely loss of party’s prospects in the long run, and termed it as Moily’s personal opinion.
Veerappa Moily, Congress veteran and former Karnataka Chief Minister has called the state’s caste census report as ‘unscientific and political dangerous’ and advised Siddaramaiah-led state government to reassess the findings and consult all parties to reach a consensus before moving ahead.
Moily voiced apprehensions, in conversation with a leading daily, over the survey conducted in 2015 and urged the government to conduct a fresh census to reassure the communities as the numbers are set to create dispute.
“The government cannot rush into a decision in a situation which is suspected by many communities,” he stated.
“The survey shows an increase in the Muslim population to the tune of about 4 per cent or 6 per cent, while many Other Backward Community people have been shown less. That’s why there is a doubt that the survey was not done scientifically,” Moily told the daily.
Rashid Alvi further said that caste-based census is Rahul Gandhi and Congress party’s commitment to people and this report will soon be released before public.
“Rahul has been reiterating the demand for the caste-based census for long, this is no secret. He should have raised his grievances earlier,” he said.
Notably, Karnataka is the second Congress-ruled state to conduct a caste survey after Telangana.
‘Pahalgam incident deeply disturbing & tragic’: Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday termed the Pahalgam terror attack as disturbing & tragic and also condoled the victims and their families.
Congress finally deletes 'Gayab' post targeting PM Modi after outrage
Under fire from the BJP over its social media post targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress finally, on Tuesday, took down the controversial post.
Guterres calls EAM Jaishankar, Pak PM Sharif; stresses pursuing justice in Pahalgam terror attack
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of pursuing justice in the Pahalgam terrorist attack while speaking with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shebaz Sharif, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday.
Congress organises ‘Save Constitution’ rallies across NE states
The opposition Congress has been organising ‘Samvidhan Bachao’ (Save Constitution) campaign in the northeastern states. Claiming that the Constitution is in danger under the BJP-led Central government, the opposition Congress held a massive rally in Agartala on Tuesday.
RSS chief Bhagwat meets PM Modi after security huddle: Signs of a hard-hitting response in the works
In a significant political development, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Tuesday evening.
What PM Modi's free hand to armed forces against terror means for cross-border action?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unambiguous message during a high-level security meeting - ‘India is determined to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism’ - marks more than just a strong statement of resolve.
Justice BR Gavai appointed as next Chief Justice of India
Justice Gavai was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court on May 29, 2019. Appointed as Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in November 2003, he became a permanent Judge in November 2005.
Three more Bangladeshi nationals held in Tripura
The Tripura Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF) on Tuesday apprehended three Bangladeshi nationals, including a woman, for illegally entering India, officials said.