Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, March 16: The Karnataka Congress government has strongly defended its decision to provide a 4% reservation for Muslims in government tenders, despite facing severe criticism from the BJP.
Speaking to the media in Bengaluru on Saturday, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar confirmed that the state government is committed to implementing the reservation, clarifying details of the proposal. "The approval is only for government contracts worth up to Rs 2 crore. No work exceeding this amount will be allocated under this quota. We are not depriving anyone of their rights," Shivakumar explained.
When questioned about the rationale behind the decision, Shivakumar posed, “Don’t they also deserve a livelihood?” He further clarified that the reservation is not just for Muslims but for other minorities and backward communities, including Christians, Jains, Parsis, Sikhs, and others. He also pointed out that similar amendments had previously been made to provide contract reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Shivakumar responded to allegations from the BJP that the reservation is a vote-bank strategy, saying, “They must be constantly thinking about us. That makes us even stronger.” His comments came as the BJP has criticised the move, accusing the Congress of pandering to a particular community.
In line with the announcement, the government is set to amend the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (KTPP) Act, 1999, with a bill to be presented during the ongoing budget session. Sources have indicated that the amendment is expected to be passed shortly.
On another pressing matter, Shivakumar addressed allegations regarding some MLAs blackmailing officials over garbage disposal contracts. "Go and see for yourself where the garbage is piling up, and you’ll understand," he responded, urging critics to look at the situation on the ground.
Shivakumar also spoke about the upcoming Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) elections, stating confidently, “Definitely, we are ready. How long can we keep delaying it?” He confirmed that a meeting for prospective BBMP candidates would be held on Saturday, followed by a discussion with representatives of all parties.
When asked about his participation in a meeting against constituency delimitation in Tamil Nadu, Shivakumar confirmed that he would attend the meeting in place of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
“Both the Chief Minister and I were invited by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin. However, due to the Chief Minister’s knee pain, doctors have advised against travel. I will attend the meeting on behalf of the party and government, and I will discuss the party’s stance with the high command,” he explained. Shivakumar added that the issue of constituency delimitation is part of a larger national debate, and the party’s official position would be announced on March 18.
The Karnataka government’s stance on the 4% Muslim quota in tenders has sparked significant controversy, but Shivakumar and other officials have remained resolute in defending their policy, emphasising the inclusivity of their approach.