Opposition alleges injustice and dilution of quotas after Karnataka Cabinet clears revised SC reservation formula
April 25, 2026: The Karnataka unit of the BJP has strongly criticised the Congress government led by Siddaramaiah over its revised internal reservation formula for Scheduled Castes. The Cabinet recently approved a new distribution within the 15 per cent SC quota, allocating 5.25 per cent each to “right-hand” and “left-hand” groups, and 4.5 per cent to other SC communities, including nomadic groups.
State BJP president B. Y. Vijayendra accused the government of betraying Scheduled Castes, alleging delays and reduction in quota percentages. He claimed that the previous BJP government had increased the SC reservation to 17 per cent, while the current dispensation had reduced it back to 15 per cent. BJP MP Govind Karjol also questioned the rationale behind the revised formula, calling it arbitrary and ignoring earlier committee recommendations and reports.
The BJP further alleged that the move could create divisions among SC sub-castes and push the issue into legal disputes. As the political row intensifies, the Congress government maintains that the revised formula aims to ensure equitable distribution, even as opposition leaders continue to demand clarity and accountability on the decision.