Muslim population in Karnataka increased by 94% between 1984 and 2015

• The number of Muslims rose from 39 lakh to 77 lakh

• In contrast, the population of Hindu Lingayats grew by only 10%

Bengaluru (Karnataka) – Between 1984 and 2015, the Muslim population in Karnataka almost doubled, while the population of Hindu Lingayats saw only a 10% increase during the same period. These figures have emerged from a caste-based census conducted in Karnataka.

1. According to a report in the Deccan Herald, the Venkataswamy Commission survey conducted in 1984 to estimate the population of various communities in Karnataka found that Muslims numbered 39.63 lakh, accounting for 10.97% of the State’s total population at the time.

2. The same survey indicated that the State had 61.14 lakh Veerashaiva-Lingayats, making up 16.92% of the population. Additionally, the Vokkaliga community was said to have a population of 42.19 lakhs, comprising 11.68% of the population.

3. In 1984, the Dalit population in the State was recorded at 57.31 lakh, representing roughly 16% of the state’s population.

4. By 2015, the picture had changed dramatically. According to the survey, the Muslim population had nearly doubled between 1984 and 2015. The 2015 data showed 76.99 lakh Muslims in Karnataka, which marks a 94% increase over three decades.

5. Due to this doubling, Muslims became the largest group among the Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The survey also recommended increasing their reservation quota from 4% to 8%.

Congress opposes the report

There is opposition to the 2015 survey even within the Congress party. Karnataka’s Minister for Industries, MB Patil, stated that there are seven Lingayat ministers in the cabinet and that they all stand united. Meanwhile, many leaders and Saints from the Vokkaliga community are also openly opposing the report, claiming that their population was undercounted and that they have been treated unfairly. The report was presented at a cabinet meeting held on 17thApril, 2025, but no final decision has been made on it yet.

Editorial Perspective

Who can even imagine how much the Muslim population might have increased in the last 10 years ? Due to this trend, will Hindus realise that India is on the path to becoming an Islamic nation in the coming years ? Or are they prepared to accept such a fate, even if it means religious conversion and ethnic cleansing ?