Why Karnataka is in thick of muslim quota row

Why Karnataka is in thick of muslim quota row

The issue of Muslim reservation in Karnataka has once again ignited a heated debate, drawing attention from various quarters, including political functionaries and National Commission for Backward Classes. At the heart of the controversy is the allocation of quotas for Muslims within the broader framework of OBC reservation in the state. Remarks by PM Narendra Modi during a recent rally in Rajasthan have further fuelled the discussions. To comprehend the controversy, it’s essential to delve into the intricate legal, historical and political dimensions surrounding this contentious issueModi’ s accusations against Congress

PM Modi, addressing a rally in Rajasthan’s Tonk-Sawai Madhopur Lok Sabha constituency, accused the Congress of attempting to diminish the quotas for SCs, STs and OBCs and of advocating reservation for Muslims contrary to the spirit of the Constitution. He cited Congress’ endeavour to introduce a 5% quota for Muslims in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh as a “pilot project” for nationwide implementation. Modi criticized the inclusion of Muslims in the OBC list in Karnataka by Congress, labelling it as a reservation along religious lines.

Muslim population in Karnataka

As per data from the National Commission for Backward Classes, Karnataka has a Muslim population of 12.9%. Out of the 32% reservation for OBCs, a subcategory comprising 4% was reserved for Muslims in the state.

NCBC’ s summons to state chief secretary

NCBC chairperson Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said he would summon the govt chief secretary to seek clarification over the categorisation of the OBC quota, which provides for “blanket reservation” to Muslims under Category II-B.

Commissions that brought muslims under OBC category

In 1975, the then state Backward Classes Commission chairman LG Havanur presented a report to the govt of D Devaraj Urs, a prominent advocate of backward classes’ interests. This report recognized Muslims as eligible for reservation, leading to their categorization under backward communities alongside other groups like scheduled castes and tribes. In March 1977, a directive was issued granting reservation to backward classes, including Muslims. Later, commissions chaired by Venkata Swamy and Justice O Chinnappa Reddy further affirmed Muslims’ status as a backward class. The classification evolved over time, with subsequent commissions like the one led by Prof Ravivarma Kumar, refining the structure. Currently, 36 Muslim communities listed in Categories 1 and 2A are included in the central OBC list, subject to non-inclusion in the ‘creamy layer’ based on an annual income threshold of Rs 8 lakh.

Roles of Veerappa Moily & Deve Gowda

The Reddy Commission proposed placing Muslims in Category 2 of the OBC list. In April 1994, the Congress govt, led by Veerappa Moily, endorsed this recommendation by announcing a 6% reservation in Category 2B, labelled ‘More Backward’, for Muslims, Buddhists, and scheduled caste converts to Christianity. While 4% of the reservation was allocated to Muslims, the remaining 2% was for Buddhists and SC converts to Christianity. Legal challenges arose in the Supreme Court, leading to an interim order on Sept 9, 1994, limiting overall reservation to 50%. The Moily govt collapsed on Dec 11, 1994, facing political turmoil. HD Deve Gowda assumed office as CM, and on Feb 14, 1995, he implemented the decision with adjustments as per the apex court’s interim verdict, reclassifying SC converts to Christianity and Buddhism. Under 2B quota, 4% of seats in educational institutions & govt jobs were reserved for Muslims.

BJP’ s unsuccessful attempt to remove reservation

Before the Karnataka assembly polls last year, the then CM Basavaraj Bommai proposed on March 27, 2023, to eliminate categories 3A and 3B for OBCs. Instead, he suggested new categories 2C and 2D, with a 2% reservation each for Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities. The administration also aimed to remove the 2B category for Muslims and include them in the 10% quota for economically weaker sections (EWS). However, this sparked opposition and legal challenges, resulting in the shelving of the proposal. On April 13, 2023, the Supreme Court deemed the govt’s decision to scrap the 4% OBC quota for Muslims as “prima facie shaky and flawed”. Consequently, the Bommai govt halted new appointments or admissions based on the contentious order. The court has suspended the govt decision, maintaining the existing reservation.

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