Chief Minister Siddaramaiah speaks to media representatives in Koppal on October 6, 2025.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that there is absolutely no question of suppressing or discriminating any community in the ongoing social and educational survey being conducted by the Karnataka State Commission for Backwards Classes.
“Those who oppose the survey are the ones who do not want an egalitarian society,” he remarked while addressing media representatives at Ginigera airstrip in Koppal on Monday (October 6, 2025). The Chief Minister was in the city to inaugurate the completed development projects and lay foundation stones for new ones, together worth ₹2000 crores.
Equitable development
Responding to Union Minister V. Somanna’s allegation that the survey aimed to “undermine upper castes,” the Chief Minister said that such claims were baseless and misleading.
“If there is no such survey, it will be impossible for a government to understand the social, economic and educational conditions of various sections of society. The purpose is not to demean anyone but to ensure equitable development,” he clarified.
When asked about Union Minister Pralhad Joshi’s statement that he would not take part in the State survey, Mr. Siddaramaiah questioned whether the Union Minister would also oppose the caste census proposed by the Central Government.
97% survey completed in Koppal
Mr. Siddaramaiah said that the survey work for about 1.10 crore households had already been completed, and as of October 5, around 63% of the total work was done. “We will review the survey progress by tomorrow [Tuesday, October 7] evening and take a call on the extension of the deadline,” he added.
The Chief Minister noted that Koppal district had achieved nearly 97% completion of the survey and reiterated that those opposing the exercise were resisting social change.
Recalling his contest in the Koppal Lok Sabha constituency in the past, he expressed gratitude to the people for their support.
Protests against Baldota steel plant
On the ongoing protests against the establishment of a steel plant by the Baldota Group in Koppal, Mr. Siddaramaiah said the matter was sub-judice and that appropriate action would be taken after the court’s decision.
Replying to a query on environmental pollution caused by industrial dust from units such as MSPL, the Chief Minister said that the government would conduct necessary inspections and take measures to control dust emissions.
Separate ‘Lingayat’ religion
On the issue of separate religious status for Lingayats, the Chief Minister said: “People are free to identify their religion as they wish. Enumerators will record it accordingly. My stand is the same as that of the people.”
Dismissing allegations that government guarantee schemes were not reaching beneficiaries, Mr. Siddaramaiah said that all guarantee schemes were being implemented effectively and were reaching the people.
Referring to reports of children dying due to cough syrups in some States, the Chief Minister said that he had directed the Health Department to take necessary precautions and monitor the issue closely.
Published – October 06, 2025 02:28 pm IST
