Karnataka Caste Survey Faces Backlash Over ‘Christian-Hindu’ Labels, Opposition Alleges Bias

The Karnataka government’s upcoming caste survey has triggered political turbulence, after reports that several Christian groups were listed with Hindu caste prefixes such as “Kuruba Christian” and “Brahmin Christian.”

Opposition leaders, however, accused the government of distorting social data. BJP leader R Ashoka branded Siddaramaiah the “ambassador of religious conversions,” alleging that the survey promotes unconstitutional caste divisions and reflects bias towards one community.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah previously stated that individuals who have converted to Christianity must identify themselves as Christians in the survey, rather than by their former Hindu caste. He maintained that the exercise would be conducted “scientifically.”

Ashoka argued that the survey was merely a veiled bid to divide society and single out Hindus.

The BJP leader maintained that the exercise lacked legal validity and would likely be overturned by the courts. Ashoka emphasised that any steps concerning reservation or caste classification must conform strictly to the Constitution and judicial directives.

He further accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of favouring Muslims in governance while taking Hindu voters for granted.

According to Ashoka, the Congress seeks Hindu support during elections but later undermines the community by pointing to “flaws in Hindu traditions,” while avoiding criticism of other faiths.

BJP OBC Morcha State president Raghu Kautilya claimed the draft list contained 57 “non-existent” sub-castes, including Adi Andhra Christian, Akkasaliga Christian, Billava Christian, Brahmin Christian, Devanga Christian, Jalagara Christian, Kuruba Christian, Reddy Christian, and Vishwakarma Christian. He called it “a deliberate attempt to divide Hindus and deprive them of reservation benefits.”

The state plans to conduct the Social and Educational Survey, popularly known as the caste survey, between 22 September and 7 October, at a cost of Rs 420 crore.

The Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, headed by Madhusudhan R Naik, will oversee the exercise, which aims to collect data on the social and educational status of over seven crore residents.

About 1.75 lakh government school teachers will be trained to visit 120–150 households each during the Dasara holidays, earning up to Rs 20,000 for their work. Most of the budget, nearly Rs 325 crore, will go towards surveyors’ remuneration.

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