Amid the anticipation of the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes (KSCBC) soon submitting its recommendation of the socio-educational survey, the Other Backward Classes bloc in the State seems to be undergoing a slow and silent churn.
Attempts are being made to consolidate the disparate castes and bring them closer as a powerful political bloc. Keenly watched, the report is expected to throw up socio, educational and economic status of castes that could be used to provide targeted support to the needy community. More importantly, it would throw up the population size of each caste, seen as an important tool in political bargaining.
New outfit launched
The Karnataka State Suppressed Backward Castes Federation (KSSBCF) has been launched to bring together 95 castes in Category 1, 102 from Category 2 A, and one caste each from Category 3A and 3B. Significantly, the federation has distanced itself from Kurubas, the dominant among the Backward Classes in the State that is numerically larger and perceived to have reaped political dividends. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah belongs to Kuruba community.
“The combined population of these castes in the State is estimated to be around 1.4 crore, which, if brought together, will be the strongest force with an average 50,000 to 60,000 votes in at least 150 Assembly constituency. The federation is apolitical but will negotiate with political parties for ticket to members of these communities,” said K.N. Lingappa, former member of KSCBC and one of the founders of the federation.
