Union Minister Criticizes Karnataka Govt for 4% Muslim Quota in Tenders
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Synopsis
Bengaluru, March 15 (NationPress) Union Minister Pralhad Joshi harshly criticized the Congress-led Karnataka government for implementing a four percent reservation for Muslims in government contracts, labeling the move as populist and contrary to constitutional values.
Key Takeaways
- Union Minister Joshi condemns Karnataka's Muslim reservation policy.
- Accusations of anti-constitutional practices by the Congress government.
- Criticism of Congress's history of appeasement politics.
- Cabinet approves four percent reservation for Muslims in government contracts.
- BJP warns against divisive politics and urges inclusivity.
Bengaluru, March 15 (NationPress) In a fierce critique of the Congress-led Karnataka government, Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, asserted on Saturday that this decision is a clear indication of populism.
On the social media platform X, the Union Minister accused the Congress administration of engaging in anti-constitutional practices. He stated: "The Congress government in Karnataka is promoting a single religion for the sake of vote bank politics, neglecting its responsibility towards all communities."
According to Joshi, the Congress government has already driven the state into economic turmoil and is now pursuing such anti-constitutional actions that hinder overall state development.
He remarked that Congress has spent six decades indulging in appeasement politics, prioritizing vote bank strategies over national progress.
Furthermore, he highlighted that the Congress party continues to demonstrate that their identity is synonymous with appeasement.
The Karnataka government has announced a four percent reservation for Muslims in government contracts, along with provisions for oppressed and backward classes.
Sources indicated that the Cabinet has endorsed this proposal, and a Bill addressing this matter will be introduced to the State Legislature during the current Budget session.
The amendment to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act, 1999, aims to secure four percent reservation in tenders for Muslim contractors in government contracts valued up to Rs 1 crore, as per sources.
Additionally, the State Cabinet has raised the limit for the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) from Rs 1 crore to Rs 2 crore.
Minority leaders had petitioned for a four percent reservation of contract works for Muslim contractors, akin to the reservations afforded to SCs, STs, and Other Backward Classes.
Taking this request into account, the state government has opted to implement the reservation.
A Cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah discussed the introduction of the Bill.
The Karnataka government has been contemplating a four percent reservation for Muslims in civil contracts, mirroring the reservations allotted to SCs, STs, and Other Backward Classes.
The CM Siddaramaiah-led administration is poised to amend the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (KTPP) Act, 1999. The Finance Department has already drafted the blueprint, and the Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil has concurred with the amendment, sources noted.
In response to the state government, the BJP criticized the move as contrary to the Constitution's spirit and merely the epitome of appeasement politics.
State BJP President, B.Y. Vijayendra, asserted that Congress is steering the state towards violence.
Vijayendra remarked: "The state government has not allocated funds for legislators, and in the absence of tender calls and work assignments, what is the point of reservation?"
Targeting the Congress-led government, the State BJP President questioned: "Does the grand old party believe that only Muslims are minorities?"
"I urge CM Siddaramaiah, if he is a genuine 'Ahinda' (a Kannada acronym for Alpasankhyataru or minorities, Hindulidavaru or backward classes, and Dalitaru or Dalit) leader, he should empower marginalized communities and enhance their economic status," the BJP leader expressed.
"Communities like Madivala and Savita also exist and require support from the state. Instead of incorporating these communities into the mainstream, the government is embarking on Muslim appeasement, and the public will need to respond accordingly," Vijayendra added.
"Only Muslims have been granted reservations in education and employment based on religion, which contradicts the constitutional ethos. Now, the government is looking to establish a four percent reservation for Muslims in government contracts, marking the height of appeasement politics," he asserted.
"If it were for all minority groups, we would have no objections," he concluded.
