Overview

• The Karnataka cabinet deferred decisions on the 2015 caste census report after ministers voiced divergent views on its findings and methodology.
• Senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily has called for a fresh, consensus-driven survey to address alleged data anomalies and ensure accuracy.
• The report proposes raising OBC reservations from 32% to 51% and records contested demographic shifts, including decreases for large caste groups and a 4–6% rise in the Muslim population.
• Critics argue the survey is unscientific, with millions reportedly left out, raising concerns about its implications for social justice and political polarization.
• The government is consulting ministers, opposition leaders, and community representatives to decide on a path forward, with a decision expected after May 2.