Anjali Nimbalkar: From Wodeyars to Siddaramaiah, Karnataka Set the Benchmark for Caste Census Initiatives

Bangalore Mail Team

New Delhi, July 25:
At the “Bhagidari Nyay Sammelan” held in the capital today, All India Congress Committee (AICC) Secretary Anjali Nimbalkar underscored Karnataka’s trailblazing role in promoting social justice through caste census initiatives.

In her address, Nimbalkar highlighted the historical roots of caste-based data collection in the state, noting that Karnataka was among the earliest regions in India to conduct such an exercise. “The first caste census in Karnataka dates back to 1918, during the reign of the Wodeyar dynasty,” she said, pointing to the princely state’s progressive approach to governance even during the colonial era.

She also paid tribute to former Chief Minister D. Devaraj Urs, widely recognized for championing the cause of backward communities during his tenure in the 1970s. Urs’s administration marked a pivotal shift in Karnataka’s socio-political landscape, introducing affirmative policies aimed at uplifting the marginalized.

Continuing in that tradition, Nimbalkar praised current Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for carrying the torch forward. “He remains deeply committed to ensuring equitable representation and rights for the Other Backward Classes,” she said, citing recent initiatives undertaken by his government in favor of social equity.

The remarks came during a broader discussion on participatory governance and justice for marginalized communities, as the Congress party continues to position itself as an advocate for inclusive development.