Karnataka caste-survey findings: Will of political party, leadership key to implement social justice, says Congress leader Raju

The differences within the Karnataka Government over the implementation of the caste survey reflects the larger divide on the issue within the party.

Both the Congress Working Committee (CWC) and former party chief Rahul Gandhi have laid down the party position in arguing for the removal of the 50% cap on reservations and reassigning of quotas for different social groups after a nationwide caste-census.

Yet, there are leaders within the party, who have advised caution. While some argue that the Congress needs to articulate its messaging in a way that focusses more on aspiration rather than social background, others warn against alienating the forward castes.

The divide could also be seen in how two Congress-ruled States responded to the caste-survey findings. Telangana, which conducted a caste survey, removed the 50% ceiling and announced a 42% quota for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in educational institutions and State Government jobs. In contrast, discussions within the Karnataka Cabinet on April 17, 2025 remained inconclusive.

“When reservation was being debated in the Constituent Assembly, it wasn’t smooth sailing even then,” said K. Raju, a permanent invitee to the CWC. “But that is where the leadership and will of a political party come into play,” he added.

Karnataka caste census report: OBC reservation proposed to be hiked from 32% to 51%

Mr. Raju, an IAS officer-turned-politician who is the national coordinator of Congress departments for scheduled castes (SC), scheduled tribes (STs), OBCs and minorities, pointed out how Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru handled land reforms.

“There was resistance to the abolition of zamindari and land reforms in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Even courts had given adverse rulings in some cases. That is when Nehru ji went ahead with the First Amendment to the Constitution and placed land reforms under the Ninth Schedule, which is beyond judicial review,” he said.

The Congress leader, who is also the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Jharkhand, claimed that certain social groups have created a narrative suggesting that their “hold over the country’s resources, education, and jobs would be lost if a caste census is conducted.”

“The fear is really about removing the veil that has concealed the maldistribution of assets and opportunities,” he said. Mr. Raju argued that increasing quotas for Dalits, Adivasis, and OBCs can be negotiated over time.

“Upper-caste groups must understand that reservations aim to correct historical injustices faced by these communities and should respond with magnanimity,” he said, emphasising that higher quotas for marginalised groups “ultimately benefit everyone.”

“When Dalits, Adivasis, OBCs, and other marginalised groups get educated, find employment, and improve their lives, their purchasing power rises. This, in turn, boosts the economy,” Mr. Raju said, highlighting a potential multiplier effect.

“Making a strong case for removing the 50% cap on reservations, the Congress leader argued that such a move would also benefit forward castes under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category,” which currently has a 10% reservation.

“In Bihar, for instance, the poor among upper-caste groups constitute about 7.5% but have access to a 10% quota,” he said.