Former Minister Eshwarappa demands Siddaramaiah’s resignation over caste census issue

Former Minister K.S. Eshwarappa demands Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's resignation for failing to provide justice to backward classes.

Former Minister K.S. Eshwarappa, on Wednesday, said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to resign, accusing him of failing to provide justice for the backward classes.

In a press conference in Shivamogga on Wednesday, Mr. Eshwarappa said he had written an open letter to Siddaramaiah demanding his resignation. “The survey was conducted 10 years ago. Then, Social Welfare Minister H. Anjaneya had assured the House that the report would be accepted,” he said.

“The report was almost ready during Siddaramaiah’s first term. However, the government did not receive it. The submission of the report was delayed further in the second tenure. The government had spent more than ₹150 crore for the purpose, and more than 1.5 lakh teachers were involved to collect data,” he stated.

Further, Mr. Eshwarappa said if Siddaramaiah could not give justice to the backward classes, he should step down. He had come under pressure from the party High Command on the issue. This shows he was acting to safeguard his seat rather than safeguard the interests of backward classes.

“The government has not been able to accept the report prepared over nine years. The government cannot conduct a fresh survey within the stipulated 90 days. Instead, the government should cooperate with the Centre, which had stated to enumerate caste during the general census,” he added.