Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Apr 5: The Karnataka unit of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has announced its intention to hold peaceful protests across all district headquarters in the state on April 8. This action is in opposition to the Congress-led government's recent decision to implement a 4 percent quota for Muslims in government tenders.

Addressing the media, Deepak Rajgopal, the VHP President for Karnataka, stated, "On April 8th, we will conduct peaceful demonstrations at all district headquarters and submit memorandums to the respective district authorities."

He elaborated on the VHP's concerns, saying, "We are aware of the new policy introduced by the current government in Karnataka, which reserves 4 percent exclusivity in all government contracts up to ?2 crore and in services up to ?1 crore for a specific community. This move has generated significant opposition from Hindus engaged in these businesses."

Rajgopal acknowledged the stated intention of the policy to uplift a backward community but argued against its exclusive nature. "While the aim is to uplift a backward community, granting exclusivity to only one community is detrimental to society as a whole. Economic backwardness is a widespread issue affecting all communities. As citizens and as Hindus, we firmly believe that all individuals should have equal access to government contracts, without religious affiliation serving as a determining factor," he asserted.

Drawing upon constitutional principles, he pointed out, "The Constitution explicitly prohibits such religion-based reservations. Historically, similar attempts in neighboring states have been overturned either by the Governor or by courts at various levels."

Deepak Rajgopal emphasized that the government's action appears to contradict the very Constitution authored by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. "This seems to be a clear attempt to favor one community while neglecting the majority community, which is facing equal economic challenges," he stated.

"Therefore, the representatives of the majority community strongly urge the government to reconsider this policy. We implore them not to disregard Hindus, who, though often silent, are equally impacted. We ask that the law be upheld in the spirit in which it was originally framed," he added.

Rajgopal further stated, "Through our dedicated workers, we request the government to ensure justice for the majority community, which is also grappling with severe economic hardships, and to govern as a government for all citizens, not just for a select community."

He clarified that the planned protests are a democratic expression of their dissatisfaction. "This is the most democratic avenue to voice our appeal. We will submit memorandums to senior officials and government representatives at the taluk, district, and state capital levels," Rajgopal explained.

He also mentioned prior efforts, stating, "Our 20 workers have already met with the Governor and submitted a petition. The Governor accepted our petition and noted that such a precedent does not exist in any other state."