Karnataka Caste Census: Lingayat 11%, Vokkaliga 10.3%, Muslims 12.6%; Cabinet to Meet April 17

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Updated Apr 16, 2025, 04:12 PM

Leaked findings from the 2015 Karnataka caste census, prepared by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes under H Kantharaj and finalized by K Jayaprakash Hegde in 2024, have sparked controversy among the state's dominant communities. The report estimates the Lingayat population at 66.3 lakh (11%) and the Vokkaliga population at 61.6 lakh (10.3%), both below earlier expectations. The Kuruba community, to which Chief Minister Siddaramaiah belongs, is reported at 42.71 lakh (7.5%), while Muslims are estimated at 12.6% of the population. Scheduled Castes are the largest group with 1.1 crore people across 108 sub-castes. The total state population is pegged at 5.9 crore, with the survey covering 5.98 crore and leaving out 37 lakh. The report recommends raising OBC reservation from 32% to 51% and increasing the Muslim quota from 4% to 8%. Under Category III(A) (including Vokkaligas and two other communities), the population is estimated at 73 lakh with a 7% quota, while Category III(B) (covering Veerashaiva-Lingayats and five other castes) is at 81.3 lakh with an 8% quota. Leaders from the Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities, including senior Congress members, have rejected the report as 'unscientific' and called for a fresh survey, citing issues with sub-caste classification and household coverage. The Vokkaligara Sangha and Veerashaiva Mahasabha have warned of statewide protests. Seven Lingayat ministers in the cabinet face calls for resignation, and a joint meeting of Vokkaliga and Lingayat mutts was scheduled for April 16. Within the Congress government, internal divisions have emerged. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has met with Vokkaliga leaders and assured that concerns will be addressed and no hasty decisions will be made. The cabinet, which includes eight Lingayats and six Vokkaligas, is set to discuss the report at a special meeting on April 17. The survey's methodology has been defended by commission members, who state that about 94% of the population was covered and the process was transparent. Critics, including BJP and JD(S), argue the data is outdated and politically motivated. The outcome of the cabinet meeting is expected to influence future reservation policies and community relations in Karnataka.

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#Karnataka #Jayaprakash Hegde #Lingayat #Vokkaliga #Kuruba #Siddaramaiah #Muslims #Scheduled Castes #Muslim #Vokkaligas #Congress #Vokkaligara Sangha #Veerashaiva Mahasabha #DK Shivakumar #Lingayats #BJP #JD

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Sources

theprint.in(5)hindustantimes.com(5)twitter.com(2)ndtv.com(2)

TIMES NOW

@TimesNow

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NDTV

@ndtv

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NDTV

@ndtv

#TheSouthernView with @TMVRaghav | Karnataka caste survey opens Congress power fault lines? On the panel: Professor Chandan Gowda and Professor Sanjal Shastri (@sanjal_shastri) https://t.co/m7jK9JPMP9