Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], September 20 (ANI): Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Saturday voiced concerns over the Congress-led Karnataka government's decision to conduct a caste survey in the state within a time period of just 15 days.

He also raised concerns about the timing of the survey, urging the government to postpone or extend the timeline of the survey, saying that citizens deserve an 'honest and objective' survey.

In a social media post on X, Kumaraswamy said, 'I have no objection to a social-educational survey. If the Supreme Court has directed it, let it happen. But can 6.5 crore people really be surveyed in just 15 days and that too during Navaratri? Are festivals and duties only for the government, not for teachers, anganwadi workers, and officials?'

'This is not the right time. Postpone it or extend the timeline. Citizens deserve an honest, objective survey, not another wasted report draining taxpayers' money. At least 3 months are essential to conduct it in stages. A hasty survey helps no one. What we need is a fair exercise that leaves no community behind. If not, those driving this flawed process must be held accountable,' the post added.

https://x.com/hd_kumaraswamy/status/1969384598456189141

Earlier today, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the proposed survey is not just a caste survey, but an economic, social and educational survey.

He said, 'The survey proposed to be conducted in the state is not just a caste survey, but an economic, social and educational survey. This survey is being conducted to provide equal opportunities to the disadvantaged by obtaining details of the caste of the people, as well as their economic, social and educational conditions... The central government will also conduct a caste survey, and will there be a conspiracy in that too? No minister has expressed opposition to the survey. To bring equality in society, the poor should be given priority in government schemes.'

Earlier on Friday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted that the state government would start the economic and social survey from September 22 and the survey will not be postponed in the wake of criticism from the opposition.

Speaking to reporters, CM Siddaramaiah said, 'The BJP is doing politics on this issue and accusing the Congress government of being anti-Hindu. All the ministers have been instructed to condemn this unanimously. The survey will start from September 22, and will not be postponed.'

CM Siddaramaiah said that the Backward Classes Commission will take the final decision on the survey.

CM Siddaramaiah said that the views on the survey have been explained to the commission, and the commission will take the final decision. 'The Backwards Classes Commission is a statutory body and we cannot give them any directions,' the CM said. (ANI)