Bengaluru, Apr 17 (Reporter) Amid heightened political scrutiny over the caste survey in Karnataka, the state Cabinet has deferred a final decision on the report, with ministers indicating that further deliberations will continue next week. Significantly, Congress veteran K H Muniyappa's carefully worded remarks on Thursday are being viewed as a subtle reassurance to powerful caste groups, particularly the Lingayats and Vokkaligas, who are said to be upset with the findings of the report. "The discussion is still ongoing. It hasn’t concluded yet. We expect one or two more meetings before a final decision is taken," Muniyappa told reporters, adding, "But let it be clear: no community, sub-caste, or section of society should be denied justice. Social justice must be inclusive of all sections, without leaving anyone behind." Though Muniyappa refrained from naming any specific group, his emphasis on inclusion and justice for all communities is being seen as an attempt to address the dissatisfaction expressed by Lingayat and Vokkaliga leaders, who believe the survey underrepresents their demographic strength and dilutes their longstanding political clout. These remarks followed the conclusion of a special cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. However, the Chief Minister did not address the media and left the Vidhan Soudha premises without making a statement. Political observers suggest that Muniyappa's statement was a bid to de-escalate tensions without openly confronting the backlash. By invoking consensus and fairness, the Congress leadership appears intent on balancing demands for backward-class empowerment with the need to maintain support from dominant caste groups. Backing this approach, IT Minister Priyank Kharge said, "No cabinet minister is opposed to the idea of providing social justice to various communities. The report is voluminous, and naturally, it will take time to study and debate thoroughly." Labour Minister Santosh Lad echoed the need for patience, saying, "This is a larger issue that demands extensive discussion. The cabinet has already deliberated on it, and the same matter will be taken up again next week." He assured that the survey was carried out with rigour. "You will understand the depth of the process once the concerned minister presents a detailed briefing. Multiple parameters were considered, how data was collected, how many households were surveyed, and who conducted the survey." "Every detail, including home ownership, disability status, and other socio-economic indicators, has been documented with signatures,” Lad said. “There’s no objection from anyone in the cabinet," he added. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy confirmed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had directed ministers to submit their opinions on the caste census, either in writing or verbally, ahead of the next cabinet meeting. The caste survey, originally commissioned by the previous JD(S)-Congress coalition, has now emerged as a politically sensitive issue. With the BJP and the JDS amplifying discontent among dominant communities, the ruling Congress is treading cautiously, seeking both clarity and consensus before taking the report forward...////...