Revised SC internal quota decision in Karnataka draws BJP’s ire, Cong backs it

Food and Civil Supplies Minister KH Muniyappa urged unity among Scheduled Castes, calling the cabinet decision a culmination of decades-long struggle and a victory for 101 SC communities, including the Madiga community. He said the policy fulfils long-standing demands and aligns with a SC conference resolution in Chitradurga and the Congress party’s 2023 election manifesto, urging awareness so people can benefit from education, government jobs and opportunities.

Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, said the decision, taken after a three-year delay, was arbitrary and would not stand legal scrutiny, leaving Scheduled Castes 'in the lurch.'

Congress spokesperson Satish Jarkiholi argued that the decision has public approval and described it as historic, noting it was approved unanimously at a special cabinet meeting attended by ministers from different communities with no differences of opinion. He rejected opposition claims and stated the move is pro-people with broad support.

Chitradurga BJP MP Govind Karjol called on the government to clarify whether it rejected the Justice HN Nagamohan Das Commission’s report as unscientific. He criticized the division of the 15% reservation into 5.25%, 5.25% and 4.5% as betraying marginalised communities and described the move as the 'final nail in the coffin' after a three-year delay, raising questions about its legal soundness.