Karnataka's murky Muslim quota row: Here's what you need to know

The issue of Muslim reservation in Karnataka has reignited a heated debate, drawing attention from various quarters, including political functionaries and the National Commission for Backward Classes. The controversy revolves around the allocation of quotas for Muslims within the broader framework of OBC reservation in the state, with remarks by PM Narendra Modi adding fuel to the discussions.

Modi Accuses Congress of Reservation Manipulation
During a recent rally in Rajasthan’s Tonk-Sawai Madhopur Lok Sabha constituency, PM Modi accused the Congress of attempting to diminish quotas for SCs, STs, and OBCs. He criticized Congress for advocating reservation for Muslims, which he deemed contrary to the spirit of the Constitution.


Modi specifically highlighted Congress’ efforts to introduce a 5% quota for Muslims in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh as a "pilot project" for nationwide implementation. The PM labeled Congress’ inclusion of Muslims in the OBC list in Karnataka as reservation along religious lines.

PM Modi said, "Congress' endeavor to introduce a 5% quota for Muslims in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh as a 'pilot project' for nationwide implementation."

NCBC Summons Karnataka Chief Secretary
Following these developments, NCBC chairperson Hansraj Gangaram Ahir announced plans to summon the state chief secretary to seek clarification regarding the categorization of the OBC quota, which provides for "blanket reservation" to Muslims under Category II-B. NCBC chairperson Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said, "I would summon the govt chief secretary to seek clarification over the categorisation of the OBC quota."

Historical Context of Muslim Reservation in Karnataka
The categorization of Muslims under backward communities for reservation purposes has a significant historical backdrop. In 1975, the state Backward Classes Commission, chaired by LG Havanur, recognized Muslims as eligible for reservation, leading to their inclusion under backward communities alongside scheduled castes and tribes.

Subsequent commissions, including those led by Venkata Swamy and Justice O Chinnappa Reddy, further affirmed Muslims’ status as a backward class. 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.

Political Figures and Their Role in Muslim Reservation
Veerappa Moily, during his tenure as CM in April 1994, endorsed a recommendation to provide 6% reservation in Category 2B, labelled ‘More Backward’, for Muslims, Buddhists, and scheduled caste converts to Christianity. Legal challenges arose in the Supreme Court, leading to an interim order limiting overall reservation to 50%.

HD Deve Gowda, who succeeded Moily as CM, implemented the decision with adjustments as per the apex court’s interim verdict. Under the 2B quota, 4% of seats in educational institutions and government jobs were reserved for Muslims.

Veerappa Moily said, "The Reddy Commission proposed placing Muslims in Category 2 of the OBC list."

HD Deve Gowda said, "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."

BJP’s Attempt to Alter Reservation System
Before the Karnataka assembly polls last year, the then CM Basavaraj Bommai proposed to eliminate categories 3A and 3B for OBCs and remove the 2B category for Muslims, instead including them in the 10% quota for economically weaker sections (EWS). However, this proposal faced opposition and legal challenges, resulting in its shelving.

The Supreme Court, on April 13, 2023, deemed the government’s decision to scrap the 4% OBC quota for Muslims as "prima facie shaky and flawed," leading to the suspension of the government's decision and the maintenance of existing reservations.

(With inputs from TOI)