Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Mar 17: The BJP has announced a series of protests across Karnataka, both within the legislature and at the state level, opposing the Congress-led government’s decision to grant a 4 per cent reservation for Muslims in government tenders.

Leader of the opposition R Ashoka, addressing the media at Vidhana Soudha, criticized the move, calling it an act of ‘Muslim appeasement’ that undermines constitutional provisions. He argued that reservations are meant for the upliftment of Dalits and should not be extended based on religion.

Ashoka further accused the government of diverting constitutional rights away from Dalits for political gains, stating, "There is no provision for religion-based reservation in our Constitution. This decision is a blatant violation of constitutional norms."

Slamming chief minister Siddaramaiah, Ashoka claimed that his government has consistently favoured a particular community, citing previous instances like the introduction of Tipu Jayanti and budget allocations for minority groups. "Now, by granting this 4 per cent reservation, he is fulfilling their every demand. We will oppose this both inside and outside the House," he asserted.

State BJP president B Y Vijayendra echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the Karnataka government has not only approved the reservation in a Cabinet meeting but is also preparing to introduce a Bill in the legislature. "The BJP will strongly oppose this move," he declared.

Responding to remarks by deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar, who had challenged the BJP to elevate Muslims to leadership positions, Vijayendra reminded that the party had supported figures like Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Najma Heptulla, Justice S Abdul Nazeer, and Arif Mohammad Khan in prestigious roles.

He also questioned Congress’ silence on past incidents of communal violence, particularly the attack on former Dalit Congress MLA Akhanda Srinivas Murthy’s residence. "If the Congress is willing to go to any extent to appease Muslims, what about the underprivileged from other communities?" he asked.

Condemning the government’s approach, he added, "If a 4 per cent quota is being granted in government contracts, does that mean the poor among Hindus do not deserve opportunities? The BJP’s stance is firm—we will not allow this Bill to pass."