KARNATAKA FORMS COMMISSION ON BACKWARD CLASSES

The Karnataka government on Sunday constituted a commission to study political representation of backward classes, a year ahead of the state assembly polls in which the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hopes to retain power.

Karnataka has a strong influence of caste on its society and politics with Lingayats, Vokkaligas and, of late, Kurubas playing key roles.

The commission will be headed by former high court judge Justice Bhaktavatsala while retired IAS official CR Chikmath will be its member.

“The commission has been constituted following a Supreme Court instruction in a case related to ensuring suitable representation for backward classes in panchayati raj institutions and urban local bodies,” Bommai was quoted as saying in a statement. “The commission would make suitable recommendations after studying the political backwardness of backward classes in these democratic institutions,” it added.