Karnataka BJP Chief Critiques CM Siddaramaiah Over Muslim Quota
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Synopsis
The BJP in Karnataka vehemently opposes the Congress government's bill for a 4 per cent Muslim quota in government tenders, claiming it was introduced without proper discussion. BJP leader B.Y. Vijayendra argues that the government's actions reflect a pattern of misgovernance and appeasement politics, questioning the Congress's commitment to minority advancement.
Key Takeaways
- BJP opposes the 4% Muslim quota in Karnataka.
- Claims bill introduced without opposition input.
- Vijayendra criticizes Congress for misgovernance.
- Accusations of appeasement politics directed at the Congress.
- BJP highlights its initiatives for minority welfare.
Bengaluru, March 19 (NationPress) The BJP in Karnataka has launched a strong attack against the Congress-led administration concerning the 4 per cent quota for Muslims in government contracts. State BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for allegedly introducing the bill in a secretive manner in the Assembly, asserting that the CM's 'Tughlaq durbar' has its limits.
Addressing the media at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, Vijayendra expressed his firm opposition to the bill, claiming it was presented without adequate discussion with the opposition.
“The BJP's position is transparent. We categorically reject the Tughlaq Durbar operated by the Siddaramaiah administration,” he affirmed.
He also noted that the BJP plans to contest the bill both in the Assembly and, if deemed necessary, in the state High Court.
“The level of misgovernance by this government is astounding. The Congress party is engaging in appeasement politics aimed at minorities. If CM Siddaramaiah genuinely cares for minorities, why didn't the Congress enhance their education and uplift them during its nearly 50-55 years of governance post-independence?” he interrogated.
Vijayendra criticized the Congress for its failure to provide quality education to minorities.
He accused CM Siddaramaiah of trying to depict the BJP as anti-minority. “The BJP is not against Muslims. It was the BJP-led government under Narendra Modi that abolished Triple Talaq to secure justice for minority women nationwide,” he pointed out.
He further highlighted that the Central government, led by Prime Minister Modi, has launched multiple welfare initiatives like Jan Dhan accounts and the Ujjwala Yojana, which are accessible to all citizens, not just Hindus. “The Bhagyalakshmi scheme, initiated by former CM B.S. Yediyurappa, was also not limited to Hindus,” he stressed.
“Every individual in this country has reaped benefits from the schemes put forth by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Unlike Congress, the BJP does not view Muslims as merely a vote bank. Mr. CM Siddaramaiah, your Tughlaq Durbar has boundaries. We firmly oppose the 4 per cent reservation for Muslims in government projects,” he cautioned.
He also mentioned that BJP leaders would deliberate and determine the next steps regarding protests both within and outside the Assembly.
In the face of opposition, the ruling Congress tabled the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements Amendment (KTPP) Bill on Tuesday, which aims to allocate a four per cent quota for Muslims in government tenders.
State Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil presented the bill in the Assembly, stating that it was aimed at addressing unemployment issues.
The reservation allocated 17.15 per cent for SCs, 6.95 per cent for STs, 15 per cent for Category 2A, and 4 per cent for Category 2B (Muslims).
The reservation ceiling for government construction projects has been raised from Rs 1 crore to Rs 2 crore. Previously, reservations were exclusive to SCs and STs, but now Muslims in Category 2B have been included.
