Overview
- BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra said the party is not against caste enumeration in principle but questioned Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s intent, calling the survey a political “game of chess” with unnecessary questions.
- Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defended the data drive as essential to advance social, economic and educational equality for all seven crore residents and accused BJP leaders of a “Manuvadi mindset.”
- Union minister Pralhad Joshi and MP Tejasvi Surya announced they would not participate, urging people to boycott and citing data privacy and motive concerns.
- Congress MLC Ramesh Babu petitioned BJP national president J.P. Nadda to act against Joshi and Surya, alleging their statements undermine OBC rights and demanding the party clarify its official position.
- Officials reiterated safeguards and scope, with the Backward Classes Commission stressing voluntary participation, the Bengaluru Urban DC saying ration cards will not be cancelled, and the survey scheduled from September 22 to October 7 to cover about 1.43 crore households at an estimated cost of Rs 420 crore.