Karnataka: VHP Plans Demonstration on April 8 Against Muslim Quota in Government Contracts
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Karnataka unit of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) plans a peaceful protest on April 8 against the government's 4% quota for Muslims in government tenders, asserting that it undermines constitutional equality and negatively impacts the majority community.
Key Takeaways
- VHP to protest against Muslim quota on April 8.
- 4% quota for Muslims in tenders sparks opposition.
- Calls for equal access to contracts for all communities.
- Constitutional principles cited against religion-based reservations.
- Protest reflects majority community's grievances.
Bengaluru, April 5 (NationPress) The Karnataka branch of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has declared its intention to hold a peaceful demonstration at every district headquarters in the state on April 8, in opposition to the Congress-led administration's decision to allocate a 4 percent quota for Muslims in government contracts.
During a press briefing, Deepak Rajgopal, President of VHP Karnataka, remarked, “On April 8, we will conduct peaceful protests at all district headquarters and present memorandums to local authorities.”
“We are aware of the new policy initiated by the ongoing government in Karnataka, which grants 4 percent exclusivity in all government contracts up to Rs 2 crore and in services up to Rs 1 crore to a particular community. This decision is facing significant opposition from Hindus engaged in these sectors.
“Although the aim of this policy is to uplift a marginalized community, providing exclusivity to only one community is detrimental to society at large. Economic challenges are prevalent in every community. As citizens and Hindus, we advocate for equal access to government contracts for all, irrespective of religion,” he continued.
Referencing constitutional principles, he stated: “The Constitution forbids such religion-based reservations. Historically, similar initiatives in neighboring states have been nullified either by the Governor or through judicial review.”
Deepak Rajgopal emphasized that this initiative contravenes the Constitution drafted by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
“This seems to be a clear attempt to favor one community while neglecting the majority community, which also faces challenges,” he noted.
“Therefore, the representatives of the majority community earnestly request the government to reassess this strategy. Do not overlook the Hindus, who typically maintain silence but are equally impacted. Let the law be upheld in the spirit with which it was established,” he added.
“We urge the government, through our karyakartas, to deliver justice to the majority community, which is also confronting severe economic difficulties, and to govern for all citizens, not just one community,” he stated.
He clarified that the demonstration is a democratic expression of their discontent.
“This is the most democratic method to voice our concerns. We will present memorandums to senior officials and government representatives in all taluks, districts, and the state capital,” Rajgopal concluded.
“Our 20 karyakartas have already engaged with the Governor and submitted a petition. The Governor acknowledged our petition and noted that such a precedent does not exist in any other state,” he added.
