Karnataka polls: Slugfest after Cong vows to increase quota limit to 75%

The Congress’ proposal is seen as a counter to the BJP’s decision to increase reservations for Lingayats, Vokkaligas, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes, while removing the four per cent reservation for Muslims, which they, in turn, deem “unconstitutional.” The reservation policy in Karnataka has become a heated political issue, with the Congress party proposing to increase the reservation for deprived classes to 75% if voted to power in the upcoming state assembly elections. In response, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has said that such an increase is not possible constitutionally. The Congress’ proposal is seen as a counter to the BJP’s decision to increase reservations for Lingayats, Vokkaligas, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes, while removing the four per cent reservation for Muslims, which they, in turn, deem “unconstitutional.” On Thursday, former chief minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah said that his party would increase the reservation limit in Karnataka from 50% to 75% if voted to power in the upcoming Assembly elections. However, former chief minister BS Yediyurappa said it would never be met as the Opposition party in the state “was headed for defeat”.