Overview

• The 2015 caste survey, finalized in 2024 but leaked in April 2025, faces backlash over claims of outdated and unscientific data.
• Senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily has demanded a new, scientifically conducted survey to address undercounting of dominant castes and other inaccuracies.
• Key findings of the leaked report suggest a significant decline in the populations of Lingayats and Vokkaligas and a rise in the Muslim population, raising doubts about its credibility.
• The survey’s recommendations to increase OBC quotas from 32% to 51% and Muslim quotas from 4% to 8% have sparked legal and social debates over reservation limits and fairness.
• The Karnataka government has deferred any decision until May 2, with plans to gather written feedback from ministers to address growing political and public concerns.