Karnataka is gearing up for elections in May 2023, and the basavraj bombai cabinet has made a significant decision to scrap the four percent reservation under the OBC quota for Muslims. This move aims to accommodate two percent each for the Lingayats and Vokkaligas, as well as other communities that have a say in the poll outcomes for the BJP. Muslims will now be shifted to the 10 percent economically weaker section category, which includes other groups such as Brahmins and Jains who benefit from the economic weaker sections quota. The Vokkaligas, who previously had four percent reservation, will now have six percent, while Lingayats will now have seven percent, up from their previous five percent reservation.
The government has acted on the cabinet subcommittee's recommendations to reorganize the reservation categories for backward classes, creating two categories - more backward and most backward. The Vokkaligas have been moved to the 2C category, entitling them to seven percent reservation, while the Lingayats will now fall under the newly created 2D category and receive a total of seven percent reservation. SC left will have six percent reservation, 5.5 percent for AC right, 4.5 percent for Touchables, and one percent for others.
This move is aimed at appeasing the Lingayats and Vokkaligas, who have been protesting for reservations for several months. These groups are the dominant communities in Karnataka, constituting approximately 17 percent and 15-16 percent of the population, respectively. They play a crucial role in determining the poll outcomes for both the BJP and Congress.
As the BJP is already facing a significant anti-incumbency wave, it remains to be seen how much this move will translate into votes. Some may see it as just another political gimmick, but it is likely to win support from the Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities. Overall, this decision is an interesting development as the state heads towards the elections.
