Karnataka: Special Cabinet unlikely to take final call on internal quota ahead of bypolls

The State government is unlikely to disclose the proceedings of the Special Cabinet or the decision taken, if any, on the internal reservation scheduled to be held on Friday. Speculation is rife that the Special Cabinet may be put off in view of the Model Code of Conduct prevailing in the State ahead of byelections to Bagalkot and Davangere South constituencies.

“The government may choose not to disclose details of deliberations or about decisions that may be taken in view of the model code of conduct in place for bypolls,” a source said. Multiple sources insisted that, though the Model Code of Conduct is in place, Cabinet would be held, and details may not be revealed. A decison could also be deferred.

The State government is under intense pressure from caste groups seeking internal reservation or opposing it. While Dalit Left (Madiga) is seeking internal reservation, the Dalit Right (Holeya) and touchable castes of Lambani, Bhovi, Korama, and Koracha are opposed to providing internal reservation within 15%. Amid pressure from the job aspirants, the government is looking to fill 56,432 posts with 15% reservation and without internal quota.

According to a senior Cabinet Minister, the Cabinet could discuss the issue but may defer taking a decision on it until after the byelections are over.

“In the current form, the internal reservation matrix that has been fixed for 17% cannot be mechanically fixed for 15%. There are a total of eight cases in court – four each on internal reservation, and against enhancing reservation to SCs and STs from 15% to 17% and 3% to 7%, respectively, that have resulted in breaching of the Supreme Court-mandated cap of 50% on reservation.” At the same time, the commitment given to job aspirants about the recruitment drive cannot be stalled, the Minister said.