BJP to Challenge Karnataka’s 4% Quota for Muslims in Contracts, Calls Move ‘Unconstitutional’

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced on Monday that it would challenge the Karnataka government's proposal to allocate 4 per cent reservation for Muslims in government contracts, describing the move as an "unconstitutional misadventure."

The party pledged to oppose the decision at every level-within the legislature, on the streets, and in Parliament-until it is revoked.

Photo Credit: PTI

The controversy arose after the Karnataka Cabinet approved an amendment to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (KTPP) Act on Friday.

This amendment reserves 4 per cent of government contracts for Muslims, specifically in civil works projects valued up to ₹2 crore and goods/services contracts up to ₹1 crore.

During a press conference at the BJP headquarters, Bangalore South MP Tejasvi Surya strongly condemned the decision, accusing the Congress-led Karnataka government of engaging in "blatant appeasement politics" under the influence of senior party leaders, particularly Rahul Gandhi.

"This is a patently unconstitutional and prima facie illegal act that will be challenged in court. The BJP will oppose it within the assembly, on the streets, and in Parliament," Surya declared.

He further accused the Siddaramaiah-led government of endangering national unity and vowed that the BJP would take its fight directly to the people of Karnataka. "Until this unconstitutional move is repealed, our struggle will continue," he asserted.

Clarifying that the BJP is not opposed to Muslims but to Congress's alleged "appeasement politics," Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra on Monday reaffirmed the party's stance.

"The BJP is not against Muslims, but we oppose Congress's appeasement politics... I was watching Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar challenge the BJP to appoint Muslims to key positions. I want to remind him that it was the BJP that appointed Dr Abdul Kalam as President and Najma Heptulla, Justice S. Abdul Nazeer, and Mohammad Arif Khan as governors," Vijayendra said while addressing reporters.