Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], April 12 (ANI): Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy launched a scathing attack on Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accusing him of using the caste census as a political gimmick to divert public attention from the Congress government's failures.

Speaking to the media near Freedom Park, Kumaraswamy said, 'There is no meaning to the caste census report that is now being brandished. The Kantharaj Commission's report was prepared a decade ago. Why wasn't it implemented all this while? Now, with the public outrage over failed guarantees, rampant corruption, and price hikes reaching a boiling point, the government is trying to mislead people with the drama of the caste census.'

'If you truly want a caste census, then conduct a fresh survey and submit a new report. The last 10 years have brought significant demographic changes,' Kumaraswamy stated. He accused the Congress of exploiting caste for political gain, warning that this divisive agenda could create social unrest.

'Congress, which claims to be secular and flaunts the Constitution at every opportunity, is now actively working to divide society. Siddaramaiah is preparing a platform for caste-based conflicts under the guise of governance,' Kumaraswamy charged.

'Siddaramaiah has been in power for two years now. Why was this report not implemented earlier? This sudden interest is nothing but a desperate attempt to cling to power,' he added.

Kumaraswamy concluded by stating that the people of Karnataka will see through this political theatre and hold the Congress accountable for its failures.

Earlier, Kumaraswamy accused the Karnataka state government of 'burdening the common man' through excessive taxation.

'For the last two years, the state government has been burdening the common man by imposing taxes in many sectors. That is why we are protesting and demanding that relief should be given to the people,' Kumaraswamy said while addressing the media.

Responding to the Congress party's criticism of the central government over rising fuel and LPG prices, Kumaraswamy defended the Centre's position.

'Congress is criticizing the central government over the prices of petrol and LPG gas. The increase in the prices of petrol and diesel will not affect the common man. The companies are bearing the burden,' he said.

He also compared the current rates with those during the UPA government. 'In the UPA government, the LPG gas cylinder was Rs1240, but now even after increasing it by Rs 50, it is Rs 850,' he added. (ANI)