Why is the BJP Opposing the Karnataka Government's Increased Housing Quota for Minorities?

Bengaluru, June 19 (NationPress) Shortly after the Karnataka government's announcement to elevate the housing quota for minorities from 10 percent to 15 percent, the BJP expressed strong disapproval and pledged to contest this decision.

This resolution was made during a Cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Post-meeting, Law Minister H.K. Patil informed the press, stating, "The Housing Department's plan to augment reservation in housing allocations for both rural and urban sectors—from 10 percent to 15 percent—has received approval. The Central government had identified a housing deficit among minority groups, prompting our government to address these needs while adhering to the principle of social justice."

At a press briefing held at the BJP state headquarters, Jagannath Bhavan, Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi criticized the Karnataka government's move, asserting it would negatively affect reservations for the general category, SC, ST, and OBC communities.

Minister Joshi emphasized that the state has allocated 15 percent reservation specifically for Muslims in housing schemes, despite the Supreme Court's clear ruling that reservations based on religion are unconstitutional.

"Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his administration previously attempted to enforce a 4 percent religion-based reservation in government contracts, a reckless initiative unmatched elsewhere in the country. Now, they have escalated this by implementing a 15 percent housing reservation," Joshi charged.

He pointed out that funding for housing initiatives derives from the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, a central government scheme, arguing, "In the name of appeasement politics, the government is wronging other communities," and maintained that "providing religion-based reservations is unconstitutional."

Joshi confirmed that the BJP will thoroughly assess all necessary factors before contemplating a legal challenge against this decision.

BJP state President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra remarked, "The Congress government in Karnataka seems intent on resurrecting a rule akin to that of the Bahmani Sultans. Against the Constitutional spirit, it first initiated religion-based reservations for Muslims in education, employment, and political representation, then extended it to government tenders, and now has increased it in housing provisions as well."

"The principles of democracy—equality for all—and the spirit of the Constitution—which prohibits discrimination between classes—has been wholly ignored by the Karnataka government. It appears to be going to great lengths to appease the Muslim community," Vijayendra asserted.

He added, "Under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s leadership, the government has completely disregarded the welfare of Karnataka's 6.5 crore Kannadigas. During the elections, Congress leaders loudly proclaimed their allegiance to secular values, but their actions now reveal a governance model focused solely on appeasing the Muslim community," he criticized.

"The BJP government in Karnataka has never tolerated such discrimination. It has maintained an administration that promotes equal opportunities and rights for all. Even today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s central government has not condoned caste or religion-based discrimination, implementing inclusive schemes for everyone. But the public is now questioning—why is there a different standard in Karnataka?" Vijayendra lamented.

“We firmly oppose the Cabinet's approval to increase housing reservations for Muslims,” he declared.

“The BJP will stand with public discontent and persist in its fight against such injustice,” he concluded.