Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Apr 17: Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary has voiced strong criticism of the state government's handling of the caste census and related issues.

Addressing the media on Thursday April 17, MP Kota Srinivas Poojary said, “The BJP has decided to wait and watch the developments, especially regarding the acceptance and release of the caste census report. The government has gone off track in handling the caste census. We must wait to see what decisions the state cabinet takes.”

Kota Srinivas Poojary pointed out inconsistencies in the classification of communities. “Minorities have been considered a single caste, while Lingayats and Vokkaligas have been categorized separately, causing a divide in the social structure. Communities like Vishwakarma, Ediga, and Balija claim a population of 30–35 lacs, but the government reports show only 11–12 lacs, leading to confusion within the communities themselves.”

Kota Srinivas Poojary also accused backward class leaders of dividing people based on caste, and suggested that the census was manipulated to show an inflated number of minorities. The report uses terms like Brahmin Christian, Ediga Christian, Balija Christian, Madivala Christian, which has hurt sentiments of those communities. "The government brought forward this census report to divert attention from its administrative failures. Whenever the government faces trouble, it brings caste census into the picture for its own protection,” he added.

Kota Srinivas Poojary suggested the government may form another sub-committee to further delay the process. "We must see whether the government accepts the recommendations or not. We will stand with the backward and marginalized communities."

On former MP Jayaprakash Hegde, Kota Srinivas Poojary said Hegde was appointed by the government to review the report and that any flaws are the government’s responsibility.

Kota Srinivas Poojary also raised questions about the methodology used in the survey, and said, "There are allegations that school children were used for the survey. Many citizens claim no one visited their homes. How was Rs 162 cr spent if people weren’t even surveyed properly? The survey was completed during Siddaramaiah’s tenure.”

MP Kota Srinivas Poojary also criticized the rise in child marriages in chief minister Siddaramaiah’s hometown, stating that over 60 cases occur annually. He questioned whether this represents social justice and good governance, and sarcastically referred to it as a 'sample' of the chief minister’s administration. "This reflects the failures of Siddaramaiah's so-called strict governance," he said.

MP Poojary opposes Waqf Bill provisions, calls for transparency

Commenting on the Waqf Bill, Kota Srinivas Poojary opposed the move to prevent Waqf boards from approaching courts, and said the bill was meant to bring transparency. He referred to the Anwar Manippady Report, which revealed that Waqf properties worth Rs 2 lac crore were in the hands of wealthy politicians, who used them for commercial ventures like schools, hospitals, and colleges, often acquired at low rents or lease. "The assets meant for poor Muslims, women, and children's education must be reclaimed. This bill is in the interest of poor Muslims and must be supported by patriotic Muslims. Opposition to the bill based on religious grounds is unfortunate," he added.