The message from Bengaluru

Karnataka's caste survey poses political and legal challenges — its impact will be felt beyond the state

- 

The controversial Karnataka caste survey, expected to be discussed by the state cabinet later this week, has the potential to fracture the polity and induce tremors in political parties, particularly the Congress that holds office in Bengaluru.

The survey suggests that the share of the OBCs in the state's population is higher than previously estimated. Two communities that dominate the polity — the Lingayats and Vokkaligas — are smaller than currently estimated, according to the survey. Deft political and administrative manoeuvring will be necessary for policies to reflect the new caste/community reality since many powerful social groups are unlikely to accept the survey's findings.