KKN Gurugram Desk | In a strategic development ahead of the Karnataka political landscape, the Congress high command has called for a fresh caste survey in the state. This decision was communicated during a high-level meeting in Delhi, where party leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and K. C. Venugopal, met with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D. K. Shivakumar to address pressing issues such as the Bengaluru stampede and controversies surrounding the original 2015 caste enumeration.

 Why a New Karnataka Caste Survey Now?

The 2015 Karnataka Socio-Economic and Education Survey (SEES), commissioned at a cost of ₹162 crore under Siddaramaiah’s earlier term as CM, gathered data from more than 10.6 million households . However, the results were never officially disclosed, leaving room for speculation and dissent from powerful communities like Lingayats and Vokkaligas—whose numbers appeared significantly lower in leaked data than political expectations .

Following the June 4 stampede in Bengaluru that claimed 11 lives, the Congress high command summoned top Karnataka leaders for a review. In this meeting, while expressing support for the principle of caste data collection, the high command urged the state government to re-enumerate caste data within 60–90 days . This move aims to rebuild trust by ensuring comprehensive and transparent counting, potentially matching the model adopted by Telangana

 Timeline and Methodology: A Tight Schedule

Post-approval, a special cabinet meeting is scheduled for 12 June, where Siddaramaiah’s government will provide final directions on the fresh caste survey and set a definitive timeline . Deputy CM Shivakumar affirmed a 60–90 days completion window, pledging transparency through both door-to-door enumeration and an online registration system to include all communities . This inclusive method addresses criticism that sections were previously omitted.

 Pushback from Key Communities and BJP Criticism

Some dominant communities—Vokkaligas (~10%) and Lingayats (~11%)—threatened to withdraw political support over alleged under-counting in the 2015 survey . Kurubas, another influential backward caste with ties to CM Siddaramaiah, also voiced concerns, fearing they would be demoted from “most backward” to “more backward,” reducing their reservation share.

The BJP reacted strongly, calling the re-survey a politically motivated “diversion” designed to dilute backlash from the stampede . BJP state president BY Vijayendra labeled the move “irresponsible” given the ₹160 crore previously spent. Conversely, Congress leaders defended the decision, citing flawed data, outdated survey instruments, and the need to align caste counts with current realities

Congress Strategy: Aligning with Rahul Gandhi’s Vision

The overhaul of the caste survey is also in sync with Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s nationwide campaign for a caste census, which seeks updated demographic data to ensure social justice and OBC quotas . Acknowledging this directive, leaders emphasized the Karnataka survey as a pilot that could influence national policy, especially with the upcoming 2026–27 nationwide census including caste enumeration .

Congress Leadership Meeting: Hyderabad Model & Delhi Review

In the Delhi meeting, K. C. Venugopal and others urged the Karnataka leaders to emulate Telangana’s socio-economic and education survey, considered a fair reference . They stressed that the 2015 data is now a decade old, and a re-count is essential to address lingering doubts .

Shivakumar also emphasized that every community—especially those who felt left out—must be allowed to register and ensure no omission .

Expected Impact: Policy Shift & Political Realignment

A new Karnataka caste survey could lead to significant changes in state policies:

• Revised OBC seat allocations in education and employment

• Updated reservation categories (III-A/III-B) for groups like Vokkaligas and Lingayats

• Better targeted social welfare schemes based on accurate deprivation data

The process will culminate with public release of data and a cabinet decision on policy integration, potentially shaping Bihar–Karnataka alliances and caste coalition dynamics across India.

Challenges Ahead and Political Fallout

The BJP has framed the move as an opportunistic tactic to sideline responsibilities following the tragic stampede . Congress sources argue it’s a step toward credible social justice and aligns with Rahul Gandhi’s caste-census advocacy .

The key test will be delivering a transparent and accurate enumeration. Inclusivity, stakeholder engagement, and proper execution will be essential.

 Karnataka Caste Survey Timeline at a Glance

The renewed focus on Karnataka caste survey reflects Congress’s efforts to reinforce its commitment to social justice ahead of critical state elections. Spearheaded by Siddaramaiah and supported by Congress central leadership, this move aims to:

1. Address outdated and disputed caste data

2. Reassure communities feeling under-counted

3. Strengthen OBC and minority support

4. Align regional surveys with national census objectives

While the BJP brands it as a political ploy, Congress continues to present it as a genuine step toward equitable policymaking. The execution—and the credibility of the outcomes—will determine its success in reshaping Karnataka’s socio-political panorama and influencing the broader India-wide caste census narrative.