Karnataka Mulls Muslim quota proposal in govt tenders, BJP flags contempt of constitution

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, November 12, 2024: Congress-led Karnataka government considering a proposal to bring Muslims under the ambit of reservation in public contracts for construction (civil) works, sources said on Tuesday.

The Siddaramaiah government is likely to table a bill in the winter session of the Assembly in this regard, they added.

What is the proposal?

There is a proposal to give reservation for Muslims in public contracts for construction (civil) up to Rs 1 crore on the lines of reservation given to SC and ST communities. This comes as the state government has already provided 24 per cent quota to SC/ST and certain backward classes in the government contracts.

Currently, the state has 43 per cent reservation in the government contracts — OBC in Category-1 (4 per cent), Category-2A (15 per cent). If the proposal is okayed, the reservation will also include Muslims and the quota limit will be pushed to 47 per cent.

Muslim reservation in govt contracts

Under the latest proposal, Muslims under category 2B will be given 4 per cent reservation in contracts.

“Not just Muslims, other backward classes will be given reservation," sources said.

The Karnataka government is likely to have 47 per cent overall reservation in the government contracts while also increasing the ceiling to Rs 2 crore.

BJP reacts sharply

BJP leader Amit Malviya tore into the Siddaramaiah government over the proposal alleging religion-based reservation as “gross contempt of the Constitution".

“Siddaramaiah administration in Karnataka is evaluating a proposal to provide reservations to Muslims in public contracts for construction (civil) works. If Muslims are given this quota in Karnataka then whose share will be cut – SC, ST or OBCs? In Telangana too, Muslims have been given 4% reservations, eating into the share meant for the socially backward communities. In Maharashtra, Congress-led MVA has accepted Jinnah-like demand of the All India Ulema Board. It is all about Muslim votes for the Congress, in gross contempt of the Constitution, which precludes any religion-based reservation," Malviya posted on X.