Bengaluru: Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday dismissed criticism of the state govt’s 4% reservation in govt contracts for Muslims, claiming that the quota applies to all backward classes and minorities, not just Muslims.
“This reservation extends beyond Muslims to include all minorities and backward classes,” Shivakumar clarified, countering opposition BJP’s allegations that the Congress govt was favouring one community.
On Friday, the state cabinet approved amendments to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act to increase reservation limits for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and backward classes, aiming to improve participation in govt contracts. This bill is expected to be tabled in the assembly on Monday.
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4% quota for Muslim contractors at Rahul’s behest: BJP
New Delhi: BJP on Saturday said Congress refuses to learn despite multiple poll losses and continues with its appeasement politics as it slammed the party over 4% reservation for Muslim contractors announced by its govt in the Karnataka budget.
“Such an announcement will have nationwide implications. This also signals the mentality of Congress and (leader of opposition in Lok Sabha) Rahul Gandhi,” senior BJP functionary Ravi Shankar Prasad told a press conference.
“BJP is against this, and we will keep opposing it… Religion-based reservation is not permissible under the Indian Constitution… Reservation on govt contracts is completely unconstitutional… It can be allowed on the basis of social backwardness…but it is not permissible (to provide) directly to a religious community,” Prasad said.
He claimed Gandhi is behind the decision for quota for Muslim contractors as chief minister Siddharamaiah does not have the courage or political capital to take the decision.
The announcement of a separate quota in govt contracts for Muslims has given a new dimension to the communal and vote bank politics, he said.
Prasad asked if there is any limit to such competitive appeasement politics and if separate queues for Muslims to buy cinema and train tickets will come next.
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