Karnataka Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Monday defended the state government’s decision to grant a 4% reservation for minorities in government contracts, clarifying that the policy will benefit all 5 to 6 minority communities, not just one.
Reddy, addressing the media, stated, “BJP always does nonsense things… There is a reservation for SC/ST. Now, we have given reservations to minorities. There are 5 to 6 minority communities… All will come under this reservation, not just one community.”
The announcement follows objections from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which criticized the Congress-led government’s move as “Muslim appeasement politics.” BJP Karnataka President BY Vijayendra stated, “BJP is not against Muslims, but we are against Congress’s Muslim appeasement politics.” He also reminded the media that the BJP had previously appointed prominent Muslim leaders to significant positions, such as Dr. Abdul Kalam as President and several Muslim governors.
Vijayendra further questioned the constitutional validity of the 4% reservation in government contracts, asserting, “We are going to oppose this move.”
Opposition Leader in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, also criticized the decision, accusing Congress of dividing society along religious lines. He cited the late Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s opposition to religious-based reservation, calling the move unconstitutional.
The controversy erupted after the Karnataka Cabinet approved an amendment to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act on March 14, which aims to provide the 4% reservation for minority contractors in government tenders.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar clarified that the reservation is not exclusive to Muslims but extends to all minority communities and backward classes, aiming to ensure equitable opportunities for all.
