In a significant development, the Karnataka Backward Classes Commission has submitted its much-anticipated caste census report to the Congress-led state government, revealing that Muslims constitute 18.08% of the state’s population. The report recommends increasing their reservation quota from the current 4% to 8%, stated the Hindustan Times.
The report, which was presented to the cabinet on April 10, is expected to stir intense political debate. A special cabinet meeting has been scheduled for April 17 to deliberate on the recommendations. Although no official statement has been released, sources have confirmed key findings.
According to the report, the Muslim community—classified under Category 2B—comprises approximately 75.25 lakh people, surpassing both the Vokkaligas (61.68 lakh) and Lingayats (66.35 lakh) in number. The report proposes 8% reservation for Muslims, 7% for Vokkaligas, and 8% for Lingayats. Currently, Muslims receive 4% reservation, while the latter two communities also benefit from quotas.
The census data also suggests that Other Backward Classes (OBCs) make up about 70% of Karnataka’s population. The report recommends increasing their reservation share from 31% to 51%. This move would push the total reservation in the state to over 75%, challenging the existing 50% ceiling set by the Supreme Court.
The report estimates Karnataka’s OBC population at 4.18 crore, SCs at 1.09 crore, and STs at 42.81 lakh. It recommends 24.1% reservation for SCs and 9.95% for STs.
The newly introduced Category 1A—which includes marginalized groups like Golla, Uppara, Mogaveera, and Koli—has a population of 73.92 lakh and is recommended to receive 12% reservation. Category 2A, encompassing communities like Madivala and Ediga, has 77.78 lakh people, with a 10% reservation recommendation.
The caste census report, consisting of over 46 volumes and two CDs of data, was initially initiated in 2014 under then CM Siddaramaiah. Though completed in 2016, it remained in political limbo under successive governments. The final report was resubmitted on February 29, 2024, and has since faced opposition from BJP and JD(S), as well as criticism from Vokkaliga and Lingayat groups who claim the data is inaccurate.
While opposition leaders such as R. Ashoka have dismissed the report as politically motivated and unscientific, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has defended its integrity, vowing its implementation. Congress leaders argue that empirical data from the report justifies crossing the 50% reservation cap, citing the Centre’s own EWS quota as precedent.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated that the cabinet would study the report thoroughly before making decisions. Meanwhile, Home Minister G. Parameshwara and Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan have reiterated that Muslims form between 16–18% of the state’s population, aligning with the report’s figures.
The report’s recommendations, if implemented, could reshape Karnataka’s reservation landscape and stir further discourse on social justice and representation.
