The Karnataka Muslim Reservation Debate has taken center stage in recent political discussions. The Karnataka government recently proposed reserving 4% of government contracts valued up to Rs 2 crore for Muslims. This move sparked significant backlash from the BJP and has echoed throughout Parliament. Despite facing opposition, the ruling Congress party, bolstered by its ally JD(S), successfully passed the Bill in the Karnataka Legislative Council on March 21.
Political Landscape and Legislative Actions
One of the highlights of the Karnataka Legislature’s 2025 Budget Session was the Congress party’s bold stance on consolidating its base among the Muslim community. This strategy played a crucial role in their victories during the 2023 state polls and the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (KTPP) Act, which includes the 4% reservation for Muslims as part of the Backward Class category 2B, has been in place since 1994. Following the Bill’s passage in the Assembly, the Siddaramaiah government presented it to the Legislative Council. Congress leader B K Hariprasad argued that “Muslim is not a religion but a backward class” and emphasized that providing this quota aligns with constitutional norms.
BJP’s Opposition and Response
As the Karnataka Muslim Reservation Debate unfolded, the BJP attempted to rally its members but fell short during the voting process. BJP Leader of the Opposition Chalavady Narayanaswamy voiced strong objections, stating that the religious quota is “not acceptable under the Constitution.” He argued that the reservation is specifically for Muslims and criticized the Congress for what he termed “appeasement.”
Despite the BJP’s efforts, they could only muster 25 members in the House, compared to 28 from the Congress. The Bill ultimately passed by voice vote, reflecting the Congress’s determination to support its Muslim constituency.
Solidarity with the Muslim Community
The Congress government also passed a resolution opposing the Centre’s Waqf (Amendment) Bill, further demonstrating solidarity with its Muslim voter base. Amid rising Hindutva rhetoric from the BJP, the Congress has decided to actively support pro-minority policies. According to a senior Congress leader, this decision came from the top ranks and will influence the party’s stance in states where it holds power.
In the Karnataka Congress, Deputy CM D K Shivakumar has taken a nuanced approach, attempting to balance the party’s stance while keeping the BJP in check. His participation in religious events, such as the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh, highlights his strategic positioning.
Historical Context of the Quota System
The Karnataka Muslim Reservation Debate is not new; it has roots dating back to 1918 in the Mysuru kingdom. The quota system for Muslims based on social and economic backwardness was first introduced in the early 1990s by a Congress government and later continued by a JD(S)-led administration. In March 2023, the BJP government attempted to eliminate the quota but faced backlash and eventually retreated in the Supreme Court.
For further details on the political dynamics surrounding this issue, visit The Hans Bharat.
