The publication of the caste survey data by the Bihar government has had a ripple effect in Karnataka, with the focus now on the Congress government’s move to accept and release the State’s socio-economic and educational survey report that was finalised in 2018.
The survey, conducted by the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission and popularly called the caste census, has been caught in a political crossfire for over five years now. The Veerashaiva/Lingayats and Vokkaligas (the land-owning and politically powerful communities that have for decades held a grip on power in the State) insist that the results not be published, while a large number of backward communities, without political representation so far, want it to see the light of the day.
If published, the survey outcome could alter the power equations in Karnataka besides impacting the backward classes reservation matrix. It is estimated that about 200 of the most backward communities, that have had no political representation so far, could benefit from the move. With the term of the commission’s chairman ending in November, the report is expected to be submitted soon.
