Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has provoked strong criticism after asserting that people convert to other religions because of persistent inequality in Hindu society. Singh placed blame on systemic issues saying, “If there was equality in our Hindu community, then why would anyone convert?” He contrasted this with untouchability, asking whether society itself created the practice. Singh also stressed that conversion is a matter of individual right, and that inequality can exist in Islam, Christianity or any religion.
Leader of the opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, R. Ashoka, challenged Siddaramaiah’s framing, arguing that equality issues should be raised across all religions. Ashoka specifically questioned whether Islam faces no internal inequalities, citing contested matters such as women’s access to mosques, opposition to the banning of triple talaq, and alleged Quranic references to non-Muslims.
Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai entered the debate, calling the inclusion of “Converted Christians” as separate caste identifiers “illegal, unconstitutional, and politically motivated.” He suggested the Chief Minister was using the caste census for political gain. Bommai also argued that only the central government has authority to conduct a census.
Siddaramaiah had made these remarks while addressing reporters in Mysuru, discussing the upcoming socioeconomic and caste survey that includes categories like Christian Kuruba, Christian Vokkaliga, Christian Lingayat, among others. Those who convert and practise Christianity will be recorded as Christian, even if they belong to what have been caste communities before conversion.
The BJP has denounced the Congress-led government’s proposal to list 47 converted caste groups as part of the survey. Party members argue it aims to fragment Hindu society and encourage conversions; many see the move as appeasement politics.
Siddaramaiah has defended the survey as a tool to capture the socioeconomic and educational status of all communities, converted and non-converted alike, insisting that religion is a voluntary identifier in the questionnaire. He also stated that the caste survey is not meant to declare or enforce religious identity, but to ensure inclusion and address inequality.
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