DK Shivakumar Rejects Jewellery Question in Caste Survey
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has stirred a political storm by opposing the inclusion of a question on jewellery ownership in the ongoing caste census survey. His decision has drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accuses the Congress-led government of undermining the survey’s credibility and engaging in “caste politics.”
The Controversy Explained
The caste census, a long-awaited initiative, aims to gather detailed data on the socio-economic status of various communities in Karnataka. However, the proposed question on jewellery ownership has become a flashpoint. Shivakumar, a senior Congress leader, labeled the question as “unnecessary” and “divisive,” arguing that it could lead to misinterpretations and unwanted controversies.
“Why should we ask people about their jewellery? This is not a survey to assess someone’s wealth. The focus should be on understanding the socio-economic conditions of different castes and communities,” Shivakumar stated during a press conference in Bengaluru. He emphasized that the survey’s primary goal is to address disparities, not create further divisions.
BJP’s Strong Reaction
The BJP has slammed Shivakumar’s stance, accusing the Congress of “selective transparency” and political manipulation. Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai criticized the move, stating, “If the Congress is serious about understanding socio-economic conditions, why are they shying away from relevant questions? This shows their double standards and lack of commitment to social justice.”
Bommai further alleged that the Congress is shielding certain communities to protect its vote bank. “The Congress has always used caste as a political tool. By excluding questions on jewellery, they are trying to safeguard their traditional support base,” he added.
Broader Implications
Political analysts suggest that the controversy highlights the challenges of conducting caste-based surveys in India, where caste and economic disparities are deeply intertwined. While such surveys are essential for targeted welfare policies, they often face political and social resistance.
Social activists have also joined the debate. Some argue that questions on assets, including jewellery, are crucial for understanding household economic status. “Jewellery is often a significant form of savings, especially for women in rural areas. Ignoring it could lead to incomplete data,” said activist Kavita Krishnan. Others, however, support Shivakumar’s view, citing privacy concerns and potential social stigma.
Karnataka Government’s Assurance
The Karnataka government has reiterated its commitment to conducting the caste survey transparently and inclusively. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized, “The survey is not about targeting any community or individual. It is about understanding ground realities and ensuring equitable development for all.”
What’s Next?
As the debate intensifies, the controversy underscores the complexities of addressing caste and economic disparities in India. The outcome of the survey and its methodology could significantly impact Karnataka’s socio-political landscape.
Stay tuned to NextMinuteNews for the latest updates on this developing story.
