Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made an impassioned plea Sunday for the state government to release the long-awaited findings of the socio-educational survey—commonly known as the caste census—and implement its recommendations for expanded reservation policies.

Key facts

  • Siddaramaiah spoke at Karnataka State Backward Castes Federation's silver jubilee event
  • Survey conducted by Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes
  • Report submitted before Siddaramaiah left office as Chief Minister
  • High Court has directed contents not be made public

The Unseen Report

The comprehensive survey, conducted by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, was completed and submitted to Siddaramaiah shortly before he stepped down as Chief Minister. Yet months later, the document remains shelved—not even presented before the state Cabinet for discussion.

There's a legal complication too. The High Court has directed that the report's contents stay confidential, creating a barrier to transparency that Siddaramaiah clearly finds frustrating.

A Call for Justice

Speaking at the Federation's silver jubilee celebrations in Bengaluru, where he was honored, Siddaramaiah framed the issue in stark terms of social justice. His voice carried the weight of someone who has fought these battles for decades.

"I believe that everyone here, including the Chief Minister, will listen to me. The report must be implemented. You should get social justice. Dalits, backward classes and minorities should get up to 75% reservation. Everyone should get a reservation according to their population. Only then can an equal society be built,"

He didn't stop at educational and job quotas. Siddaramaiah also demanded political reservation based on population in both the Lok Sabha and State legislatures—a structural change that would reshape representation.

Personal and Political

There was something strikingly personal in how Siddaramaiah framed his identity. "I am a Shudra. We are all Shudras, including Lingayats and Vokkaligas," he declared, arguing that communities historically classified as Shudras had been systematically denied opportunities.

The event also became a platform for reflection. Siddaramaiah confirmed his withdrawal from electoral politics, citing the prohibitive costs of modern elections, though he emphasized this didn't mean retreating from public life.

Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, present at the event, praised Siddaramaiah's creation of the AHINDA movement—a political bloc representing minorities, backward classes, and SC/ST communities that has reshaped Karnataka's political landscape.