Overview

• The Karnataka government held a special cabinet meeting on April 17 to discuss the findings of the Socio-Economic and Educational Survey but reached no resolution.
• Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asked ministers to submit their opinions in writing ahead of a follow-up cabinet meeting scheduled for May 2.
• The survey revealed a higher-than-expected OBC population and lower counts for Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities, sparking claims of underrepresentation and threats of protests.
• Critics, including Vokkaliga and Lingayat leaders, have called the survey unscientific and demanded a fresh enumeration linked to Aadhaar for accuracy.
• Legal and political challenges loom, as implementing the survey findings could breach the Supreme Court's 50% reservation cap and face constitutional scrutiny.