Dinesh Gundu Rao Refutes Confusion Over Social, Educational Survey

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, September 21, 2025: Health and Family Welfare Minister and Dakshina Kannada District in-charge Dinesh Gundu Rao on Sunday said that attempts are being made by certain groups to create confusion over the social and educational survey being conducted by the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission.

Speaking to reporters, he clarified that the survey is intended to gather authentic data on the social and educational status of communities, which will help the government identify beneficiaries for welfare schemes and strengthen policy-making and budgetary planning.

“The Congress government has no malice in conducting this survey. Those spreading confusion are only trying to gain political mileage,” he said. He added that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the government have no intention of dividing society through the exercise.

Referring to the controversy over the inclusion of Christian sub-caste nomenclatures, the Minister said such terms had existed in the list even during the BJP’s tenure. “A person who converts to Christianity loses caste identity. There are no castes called ‘Lingayat Christian’ or ‘Gowda Christian.’ These entries were carried forward from the past,” he clarified.

He also noted that he had written to the Commission two weeks ago regarding the mention of ‘Brahmana Christian,’ stressing that the issue would not affect the smooth conduct of the survey.

Questioning the BJP’s silence, Mr. Rao pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself had announced a caste census, yet the Opposition in Karnataka is attempting to politicise the issue.