Karnataka’s broken political economy | Number Theory

By Admin

16 Apr, 2025

A Deeper Look at the Politics Behind Reservation Re-Structuring

Karnataka, one of India’s most dynamic states in terms of economy and culture, is currently undergoing a significant socio-political churn. The recent move by the Siddaramaiah-led government to re-stratify reservations has sparked debate, both politically and socially. In the first part of this series, we discussed how this policy is an attempt to revive the historic AHNDA (Ahinda) coalition—a social alliance of minorities, backward classes, and Dalits—that was effectively championed by former Chief Minister Devraj Urs in the 1970s. This strategic re-alignment, however, is not without its political risks.

Inequality at the Core of Political Decisions

As we delve into the second part of this series, it becomes clear that the decision to re-engineer the reservation structure might stem not just from political aspirations, but from a much deeper issue—Karnataka’s broken political economy. The state, despite its urban centers of growth such as Bengaluru, has been struggling with entrenched inequality and uneven development across its regions and communities.

A Disconnected Growth Story

Karnataka has often been celebrated for its IT-driven growth, but the benefits of this prosperity have been largely confined to urban pockets. Rural and semi-urban regions, particularly in northern Karnataka, remain deprived of equitable access to opportunities, infrastructure, and wealth. This skewed development has led to regional imbalances that are now reflected in political discontent.

Entrenched Elites and Stagnant Opportunities

Over time, certain castes and communities have consolidated their grip over political and economic resources. As a result, social mobility has stagnated for marginalized groups. The lack of equitable representation and access to state benefits for these communities is increasingly visible. In this context, Siddaramaiah’s move can be seen as an attempt to rebalance the socio-political scale by redrawing the contours of affirmative action.

A Gamble Rooted in Structural Challenges

While the strategy aims to empower historically underrepresented communities, it is also a high-stakes political gamble. Changing the reservation structure can upset existing power balances and provoke backlash from dominant castes. Yet, the urgency of addressing deep-seated inequality might be the driving force behind this decision, making it less about short-term political gains and more about long-term structural correction.

Conclusion: Reform or Risk?

Karnataka’s broken political economy, marked by entrenched disparities and regional imbalances, may have left the government with limited choices. The re-stratification of reservations is not just a tool for electoral consolidation—it is also an acknowledgment of the systemic issues that continue to hinder inclusive growth. Whether this move leads to genuine reform or political instability remains to be seen, but it undeniably places inequality at the center of Karnataka’s current political discourse.