Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Mar 20: The Karnataka BJP has strongly opposed the Congress-led government's proposal to introduce a 4 per cent reservation for Muslims in civic tenders, vowing to block its implementation.

Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha, BJP state president B Y Vijayendra criticized the move, stating, “The Congress government is attempting to provide a 4 per cent quota for Muslims in civic tenders. When the Bill is tabled in the Assembly, we will strongly oppose it. Our stance on this issue is clear—we condemn this move and will not allow it to proceed.”

He warned that chief minister Siddaramaiah would have to face the consequences, adding that the BJP would launch protests against the proposal.

Accusing the state government of indulging in appeasement politics, Vijayendra alleged that Hindus were being sidelined. "Why is the government only focusing on Muslims? Are there no poor people among Hindus? This is yet another example of appeasement politics," he remarked.

His comments come in response to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements Amendment (KTPP) Bill, which was tabled by the Congress government on Tuesday. The Bill proposes a 4 per cent quota for Muslims under Category 2B of the Backward Classes in government construction tenders.

The Congress has defended the move, stating that the provision is part of the 2025-26 budget proposal aimed at addressing unemployment and encouraging participation from underrepresented communities in government projects.