Overview

• The caste census report suggests increasing the OBC reservation from 32% to 51% and the Muslim quota from 4% to 8%, raising overall caste-based reservations to nearly 75%.
• Revised data identifies OBCs as 70% of Karnataka's population, Muslims at 18.08%, and Scheduled Castes at over 18%, challenging earlier demographic estimates.
• The report has drawn sharp criticism from dominant communities like the Vokkaligas and Lingayats, who claim it is unscientific and politically motivated.
• Internal divisions within the Congress-led government have surfaced, with some leaders expressing reservations about the report's findings and methodology.
• A special cabinet meeting on April 17 will focus solely on the report, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar emphasizing a thorough review before any decisions are made.