Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India]: Members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged a protest in Bengaluru on Tuesday, voicing strong opposition to the Karnataka government’s recent decision to introduce a four per cent reservation for minority communities in public contracts.
Yelahanka VHP president Ratnakar Bhat, speaking to media, condemned the move by the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government, calling it a violation of constitutional principles. He demanded that public contracts should not be awarded based on religious identity.
“The Karnataka government has given four per cent of reservation to minorities in public contract, which is 100 per cent unconstitutional. We from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad are demanding that no contract should be given on a religious basis with this 4 per cent reservation. The Supreme Court has stated that reservations cannot be made on the basis of religion. This is appeasement politics,” Bhat said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Bajrang Dal worker Anil Kumar lashed out at the Congress party, accusing it of engaging in religious favoritism.
“Congress is becoming like the Muslim League. Since the Karnataka government came into power, it has been completely anti-Hindu,” Kumar claimed.
The decision in question was made during a cabinet meeting on March 14, chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The cabinet approved amendments to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act, paving the way for a 4 per cent quota in government tenders for minority contractors. The changes are expected to be formalized after the act is tabled in the ongoing assembly session.
In response to the backlash, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar clarified that the reservation was not meant solely for Muslims, but rather for all minority and backward communities.
“BJP always does nonsense things. There is a reservation for SC/ST. Now, we have given reservations to minorities. There are five to six minority communities. All will come under this reservation, not just one community,” said State Minister Ramalinga Reddy, further defending the government’s stance.
The announcement has triggered heated political debates, with the ruling Congress government emphasizing inclusivity and social equity, while opposition voices call it a case of religious appeasement.