The Karnataka Assembly approved a controversial bill that seeks to offer reservation to the Muslim community in contracts given by the state government on Friday.
The bill introduced by the Siddaramaiah government suggests a 4 percent reservation for individuals from the Muslim community in public contracts. The opposing BJP termed the proposal as “unconstitutional” and pledged to challenge it in court.
BJP leaders invaded the well of the House and shouted slogans opposing the Siddaramaiah government; they were observed climbing onto the Speaker’s chair, intensifying their demonstration. BJP leaders subsequently ripped apart the four percent quota bill and threw the documents at the Speaker.
BJP MLA Bharath Shetty stated, “While the Chief Minister should have addressed the honey trap scam, he was occupied with the four per cent Muslim bill, which is why we protested. The MLAs from the government ripped up papers and tossed books at us; we didn’t hurt anyone.”
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The Congress government in power justified the reservation as a measure to promote social justice and economic opportunities for minorities, while the opposing BJP criticized it for engaging in appeasement politics.
As per the Bill’s stipulations, Muslim contractors will be granted a four per cent quota in government tenders, allowing them to better compete for public contracts. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah highlighted that this action reflects the government’s dedication to inclusive growth and affirmative measures.
The Karnataka Assembly session was engulfed in chaos on Friday after Cooperative Minister KN Rajanna revealed information regarding honey trapping. The scandal became the focus, as BJP leaders showcased CDs, suggesting they served as means of extortion and deception.