Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivkumar on Saturday clarified that 4 percent reservation in the state government tender is not only for the Muslim community, but for all minorities. His clarification came after allegations of BJP’s politics of appeasement on the Congress. In fact, the state government had approved amendment to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Processing (KTPP) Act, which led to a dispute.
‘Who says it is only for Muslims?’
Shivkumar said in a conversation with the media that who said that 4% reservation is only for Muslims? The government has decided to give it to minorities and backward communities. Minorities include Christians, Jains, Parsis and Sikhs, they also stated that the government has also implemented contract reservation for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
Reservation will be applicable in projects up to Rs 2 crore
Responding to BJP’s allegations, Shivkumar said that this reservation will be applicable to government projects up to Rs 2 crore. Large projects will not come under this quota. He said that we are not snatching anyone’s rights, but are also ensuring livelihood for others.
BJP said ‘anti -Constitution’
The BJP reacted strongly to this decision. BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said in the press conference that we oppose this decision … Reservation on the basis of religion is not acceptable in the Indian Constitution, such reservation in government tenders is completely unconstitutional. BJP MP Tejashwi Surya also attacked the government and said that this government is misusing power and public resources. This is an attempt to promote vote bank politics and make our economy a field of political opportunism.