Karnataka Faces Heat Over Caste Census Debate

The Karnataka caste census report is poised to dominate the next cabinet meeting, amid calls for transparency from Home Minister G Paramehwara. Resistance from dominant communities, including the Vokkaligas and Lingayats, adds tension, highlighting potential political ramifications if the findings are made public.

The Karnataka caste census is set to become a focal point in the upcoming cabinet assembly, as Home Minister G Paramehwara pushes for public disclosure of its findings. He emphasized the necessity for transparency, warning that failure to release the report could lead to accusations against the government and Chief Minister.

Despite resistance from dominant communities such as the Vokkaligas and Lingayats, who criticize the survey as "unscientific", the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes submitted the report to the Chief Minister. These objections underscore potential political fallout for the ruling Congress party, with demands from Dalits and OBCs for public access to the data.

With internal dissension and demands for increased reservation, the Congress government under CM Siddaramaiah faces a challenging decision. Although the Supreme Court restricts reservation to a 50% cap, discussions are underway to breach this limit to address community needs, drawing from precedents set by other states.

(With inputs from agencies.)