In a major political and social development, the Karnataka cabinet, under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has approved internal reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs), dividing the existing 17% quota into three segments—6% for Dalit Right (Holeyas), 6% for Dalit Left (Madigas), and 5% for Lambanis, Koramas, Korachas, Bhovis, and 59 other communities. This decision marks a historic move in Karnataka politics, aiming to ensure fairness and equality among SC sub-castes while consolidating the Congress party’s political base against the BJP.

The cabinet’s decision simplifies the earlier recommendation of the Justice Nagamohan Das commission, which had suggested five separate categories, by merging them into three blocks. The commission’s original proposal had allocated 6% for Dalit Left, 5% for Dalit Right, 4% for Lambanis and Bhovis, and 1% each for Nomads, Adi Karnataka, and Adi Dravida. Siddaramaiah’s strategic move is being viewed by Congress leaders as a master stroke that balances caste-based interests while cementing his position as a key leader among backward classes.

This internal reservation decision follows the Supreme Court ruling that permitted states to sub-classify SCs, overturning a 2004 verdict which treated SCs as a homogeneous group. Karnataka now becomes the third state in India to implement internal reservation, following Haryana and Telangana, with Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu having implemented similar measures through state legislation. The cabinet has emphasized that the reservation system will be fair, equitable, and implemented immediately, ensuring pending government recruitments are filled according to the new classification.

Political analysts point out that this move not only addresses long-standing demands of Dalit communities but also positions Siddaramaiah strategically in Karnataka’s rotational power-sharing arrangement with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. By providing 6% reservation to both Dalit Right and Dalit Left, the Congress party can now reclaim votes from communities that were leaning towards the BJP, thereby strengthening its electoral prospects.

The cabinet’s decision was accompanied by celebrations from Dalit groups, highlighting the widespread approval among communities now assured of equitable access to reservation benefits. Social activists and commentators have noted that nearly 25% of Karnataka’s population benefits from this decision, which enhances Siddaramaiah’s image as a backward class and AHINDA leader. The move also signals Congress’s intent to reclaim its base among OBCs and Scheduled Castes, particularly in the context of the ‘jitni aabadi, utna haq’ campaign promoted by Rahul Gandhi.

While the BJP acknowledged the Congress’s move, it emphasized that internal reservation initiatives had started during its tenure, with previous allotments of 6% for SC Left, 5.5% for SC Right, and 4.5% for SC Touchables. However, the Congress government’s reclassification and immediate implementation have been portrayed as a more comprehensive and politically astute measure.

Inside the cabinet, officials highlighted population distribution data and social justice frameworks, ensuring the allocation was data-driven and fair. Although a section of the most-backward and nomadic groups expressed dissatisfaction with category mergers, the government assured modifications based on upcoming census data. Siddaramaiah emphasized that the cabinet’s ABC categorization—6% for least-handed castes, 6% for right-handed castes, and 5% for remaining groups—was designed to ensure equality in education, employment, and other opportunities.

This decision also resolves long-standing administrative delays, as all government recruitments had been on hold pending sub-classification. By implementing the quota immediately, the government aims to deliver social justice while reinforcing political credibility. Commentators believe this move may significantly influence the next round of elections in Karnataka and serve as a model for other states considering internal reservation among SC sub-castes.

In summary, the Karnataka cabinet’s internal reservation decision under Siddaramaiah represents a strategic political and social maneuver, balancing caste equity and electoral advantage. By dividing the 17% SC quota into Left, Right, and other categories, the Congress party strengthens its position among backward classes, fulfilling decades-old demands while sending a strong message of inclusivity and fairness ahead of critical political contests. The move is a historic milestone in Karnataka’s reservation policy, reflecting careful political calculation and commitment to social justice for all Dalit communities.

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