Key Points
- OBC leaders are chatting with CM Siddaramaiah on October 7.
- They’re focused on getting the caste census report from February 2024 into action.
- They’ll also talk about political reservations for OBCs in local elections.
- There’s some worry about pushback from the dominant communities.
- OBC wants include priority in board appointments and a new commission chairperson.
Looma News
On October 7, a crew of key OBC leaders in Karnataka is getting ready for a big meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. This group, which includes four former heads of the State Backward Classes Commission, is looking to chat about the urgent need to implement the caste census report, which has been hanging around since February 2024, aiming to shed light on the socio-economic situation of backward classes in the state.
The Caste Census Context
In a recent meet-up, OBC leaders pointed out that the caste census is super important for making sure everyone gets fair access to benefits in the state’s caste-based system. H.M. Revanna, who heads the Guarantee Implementation Committee, highlighted that the census report could help secure political reservations for OBCs in local elections. He mentioned that the whole thing has been delayed due to legal hiccups, and stressed the need for OBC leadership growth since this issue is still up in the air.
Opposition and Future Steps
Even though the census is crucial, there’s been some serious pushback from dominant groups like the Vokkaligas and Veerashaiva-Lingayats. This has made the government a bit wary about diving into the report with the Lok Sabha elections coming up. OBC leaders are also pushing for more stuff, like giving priority to OBC candidates for various boards and appointing a new chairperson for the backward classes commission.
Finally, OBC leaders are figuring out ways to back Siddaramaiah, who’s from the Kuruba community, especially with a recent court investigation into a scandal involving the Mysuru Urban Development Authority. This meeting isn’t just about demands; it’s about coming together and making sure OBC voices are heard loud and clear in Karnataka.
