Bengaluru, October 5, 2025 – Karnataka's ongoing socio-economic and educational survey, colloquially known as the "caste census," has sparked a fresh wave of political controversy, with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar expressing his reservations about the nature of the questions being asked. The opposition BJP has seized on the opportunity to criticize the Congress government, adding fuel to the already heated debate surrounding the survey's purpose and methodology.
Shivakumar's discomfort arose during a survey conducted at his residence, where he found some questions to be overly personal. Specifically, he questioned the necessity of inquiries about the number of chickens, sheep, goats, and the amount of gold owned by individuals. "I have told officials not to ask people in Bengaluru about how many chickens, sheep, and goat people are rearing, and how much gold they have. They are personal matters," Shivakumar stated, emphasizing that citizens should not feel compelled to share such private information. He further advised officials to avoid asking about the number of watches or refrigerators owned.
This prompted Shivakumar to remark, "Am I doing poultry business?" implying his disapproval of the intrusive nature of the questions. He instructed officials to simplify the questionnaire, focusing on social and economic information. Shivakumar also noted the survey took over an hour to complete for his family, whereas enumerators are expected to spend only 20 minutes per household. Despite his concerns, Shivakumar urged the public to participate in the survey, highlighting its voluntary nature and the High Court's directive to maintain confidentiality of the data collected.
The BJP, along with JD(S), has been vocal in its criticism of the caste census, claiming it is creating confusion and raising concerns about its methodology and relevance. BJP state chief B.Y. Vijayendra pointed to Shivakumar's reaction as evidence of the government's "confused and poorly planned" exercise. He stated that the survey is causing unrest across communities, alleging that it was launched in haste without adequate preparation. Union Minister of State V. Somanna and JD(S) leaders have called the survey "unscientific" and filled with errors, urging its suspension. JD(S) also claimed that children were being used to collect data for the survey, further questioning the credibility of the exercise.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has defended the caste survey, asserting that it is a comprehensive assessment of the social, economic, and educational conditions of the people of Karnataka. He has accused the BJP of opposing the survey due to a "Manuvadi mindset", alleging that their objections stem from the idea that wealth, opportunities, and representation must remain confined to the privileged. Siddaramaiah has maintained that the survey is intended to create a more equitable society by providing data to implement welfare schemes and empower deprived groups. He has also pointed out that similar caste surveys were conducted in Bihar and Telangana, even with BJP involvement in the former.
The Karnataka High Court has allowed the survey to proceed but has directed the State Backward Classes Commission to ensure the confidentiality of the collected data and to emphasize the voluntary nature of participation. The survey, which began on September 22 and is scheduled to continue until October 7, has an estimated cost of Rs 420 crore. It utilizes a 60-question questionnaire to gather data on the socio-economic and educational status of the population.
The controversy surrounding the Karnataka caste census highlights the deep political divisions and sensitivities associated with caste-based data collection in India. While the government defends the survey as a tool for social justice and equitable resource allocation, the opposition views it with suspicion, alleging that it is a divisive exercise driven by political motives. The coming days will be critical in determining the fate of the survey and its potential impact on Karnataka's social and political landscape.
