Archive · 11 Jun 2025
Bengal's OBC List Sparks Religious Bias Allegations
In West Bengal, the government is making a new list of who gets help because they are considered 'backward'.
The Chief Minister says this isn't based on religion.
However, an opposition leader claims the list is mostly adding Muslim groups.
He says this breaks the law.
The government says they did a survey to make the list.
The Supreme Court is also looking at this issue because a court said they can't give help based on religion.
Suvendu Adhikari alleges the West Bengal government's OBC list is based on religion.
Mamata Banerjee denies religious bias, stating the list uses a scientific survey.
Adhikari claims the new list disproportionately adds Muslim communities.
The state increased OBC reservation in State Services to 17% from 7%.
The Supreme Court is reviewing the OBC list following a Calcutta High Court ruling against religious-based reservations.
- Who
- Mamata Banerjee, Suvendu Adhikari, the West Bengal government, and the Supreme Court.
- What
- Controversy over West Bengal's OBC list and alleged religious bias.
- When
- The controversy is unfolding in 2025, following a Calcutta High Court ruling and Supreme Court directive.
- Where
- West Bengal, India.
- Why
- To clarify the criteria for inclusion and address concerns about religious bias in the OBC list.
West Bengal Government
Opposition/Critics
Inclusion Criteria
West Bengal Government
OBC list based on socio-economic factors, using a scientific benchmark survey.
Opposition/Critics
OBC list disproportionately favors a single religious group, potentially violating constitutional principles and court rulings.
Rationale for Inclusion
West Bengal Government
The list is being created to implement Supreme Court directives and provide benefits to backward communities.
Opposition/Critics
The list is being used to gain political advantage and to undermine the spirit of previous court rulings.
- Previous OBC Classes
- 66
- Muslims in Original OBC
- 20%
- New OBC Classes Added
- 76
- OBC Reservation Increase
- 7% to 17%
- Calcutta HC Ruling
- Cancelled OBC certificates since 2010
Sources
Backwardness, not religion, only benchmark to decide OBC status: Mamata
Backwardness only benchmark to decide OBC status, not religion: Mamata
Backwardness only benchmark to decide OBC status, not religion: Mamata
Backwardness sole criterion for OBC status, says Mamata Banerjee - Telegraph India
Mamata lays out new OBC list in West Bengal Assembly: ‘No question of religion-based reservations’
OBC list expansion based on socio-economic backwardness, not religious identity: CM - Telegraph India
Mamata Banerjee’s ‘no religion-based OBC list’ lie busted: 86% of new OBC additions are Muslims as per West Bengal govt data
