Synopsis
B.Y. Vijayendra, Karnataka BJP President, challenged CM Siddaramaiah's right to criticize PM Modi regarding the Muslim quota issue, emphasizing constitutional provisions against religion-based reservations.Key Takeaways
- B.Y. Vijayendra asserts CM Siddaramaiah lacks moral authority.
- Criticism from PM Modi regarding Karnataka's Muslim quota.
- Reservations should be based on social and educational backwardness.
- Article 15(1) of the Constitution prohibits religion-based reservations.
- Historical context of BJP’s reservation policies.
Bengaluru, April 16 (NationPress) In response to the Karnataka government's criticism of the Prime Minister regarding his comments on the Muslim quota, BJP state President B.Y. Vijayendra asserted on Wednesday that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lacks the moral authority to criticize Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Vijayendra remarked, "Respected CM Siddaramaiah, the honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it clear that the Constitution drafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar does not allow for reservations based on religion."
"Instead of concentrating on the overall welfare of Karnataka's populace, you seem preoccupied with preserving your position by dividing castes and religions," Vijayendra charged.
"If you do not cease this divisive agenda, it won't be long before the people of this state rise up and teach you a lesson. Remember that," he warned.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticized the policies and programs you are implementing in Karnataka, which seem more focused on appealing to the Muslim vote bank than on genuine welfare,” he added.
Vijayendra accused Siddaramaiah, stating, "In truth, it is you who is attempting to instigate division and animosity among the communities in the state.”
“As the Prime Minister rightly pointed out, you are igniting discord in the garden of peace envisioned by Rashtrakavi Kuvempu for all communities,” he remarked.
"We expected that as a lawyer, you would have comprehended the Constitution. Yet your recent comments regarding religion-based reservations are puzzling," he stated.
"It seems you have overlooked Article 15(1) of the Constitution, which explicitly states that no reservations or discrimination should be made based on religion," he added.
“This is precisely what the Prime Minister referenced. You have cleverly argued that Dr. Ambedkar never explicitly opposed or supported religion-based reservations, but why have you not considered what Article 15(1) clearly articulates?” he questioned.
“The reservations you are proposing for Muslims in Karnataka are distinctly based on religion, not caste. In Andhra Pradesh, the government under Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu offered reservations only to the most backward sections of Muslims, not the entire Muslim community. Even then, it was overturned by the High Court, and the case is currently pending before the Supreme Court,” Vijayendra detailed.
According to the Constitution's spirit, reservations for Hindus have never been based on religion but rather on the social and educational backwardness of different castes.
“Why has this same criterion not been applied to the reservations being granted to Muslims? That is our principal question,” Vijayendra emphasized.
"You, not the Prime Minister, are the one who needs to familiarize yourself with the Constitutional provisions that prohibit discrimination based on religion, caste, language, or gender.
“The Prime Minister is fully aware of the socio-economic and educational conditions of the backward communities among Muslims.
“In this context, the central government under his leadership has enacted policies and laws aimed at the welfare of oppressed groups and women within the Muslim community," Vijayendra stated.
It was under the PM Modi administration that a historic initiative was undertaken to uplift Muslims socially, economically, and educationally.
"You must not forget this. In accordance with the spirit of the Constitution, triple talaq was abolished,” he emphasized.
“Amendments were made to clarify issues and prevent exploitation under the Waqf Act. All of this was done to safeguard the rights of backward Muslims and women — not to engage in vote-bank politics, as you do," Vijayendra professed.
"You hold no moral ground to criticize the Prime Minister while you are the one inciting division within society through a caste-based census and stirring conflict,” he declared.
It's noteworthy that during the BJP's administration, reservations for Scheduled Castes were raised from 15 percent to 17 percent, and for Scheduled Tribes from 3 percent to 7 percent, he noted.
