Sun Apr 20 08:28:53 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Congress Divided Over Caste Survey Recommendations: Quota Debate Heats Up

**Bangalore, April 20, 2025** – The Karnataka state government’s ongoing debate over implementing recommendations from a recent caste survey highlights a deeper national rift within the Congress party regarding reservation quotas. While the Congress Working Committee (CWC) and former party president Rahul Gandhi advocate for removing the 50% reservation cap and reallocating quotas based on a nationwide caste census, internal dissent persists.

Some Congress leaders urge a more aspirational messaging strategy, warning against alienating forward castes. This internal division is evident in the contrasting approaches of Congress-ruled states. Telangana lifted the 50% cap, allocating 42% to Other Backward Classes (OBCs). However, a Karnataka cabinet meeting on April 17th failed to reach a consensus on the caste survey’s recommendations, which propose increasing OBC reservations from 32% to 51%.

K. Raju, a Congress leader and national coordinator for SC, ST, OBC, and minority departments, drew parallels to historical land reforms, arguing that overcoming resistance to increased quotas requires strong leadership. He countered claims that a caste census would disadvantage forward castes, asserting it would expose existing inequities in resource distribution. Raju suggested a phased increase in quotas for marginalized groups, emphasizing the economic benefits of empowering them. He also highlighted that removing the 50% cap would benefit even the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) among forward castes.

Read More