In a significant move, the Karnataka government is set to introduce a 4% reservation for Muslim contractors in government tenders, with a draft amendment to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act expected to be discussed by the Cabinet today. The proposed amendment seeks to create a new Category II(B), under which Muslim contractors would be eligible for reservations in government contracts up to Rs 1 crore, similar to the provisions already available to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) contractors.
The amendment aims to modify the existing text of the Act to include “Category-I, Category-II(A), and Category II(B)” and will designate Muslim contractors under Category II(B) without considering income criteria.
Political Controversy Unfolds
The proposal has sparked a strong political reaction. The BJP has criticized the Congress government, accusing it of “appeasement politics” by selectively benefiting Muslims while neglecting other minority communities. BJP state president BY Vijayendra accused the Congress of playing to the Muslim vote bank and claimed that the government was disregarding other disadvantaged groups.
“The Congress perceives minorities only as Muslims and has sidelined other underrepresented communities,” Vijayendra said. He also accused the government of undermining the Constitution and argued that this move could create division in society along religious lines. BJP MLA Mahesh Tenginkai echoed these concerns, claiming that the Congress decision was wrong, as it only favored Muslims.
Congress Defends the Proposal
In contrast, Congress defended the proposal, stating that the reservation was aimed at providing equal opportunities to all disadvantaged communities. Congress MLA Rizwan explained that the policy was intended to help small contractors from backward communities, including Muslims, by ensuring they have a fair chance at securing government contracts. He further pointed out that similar reservations were already granted to Dalits, and extending this to minorities should not be seen as appeasement politics.
The Debate Continues
As the Cabinet meeting approaches, the proposal’s fate remains uncertain. Despite BJP’s strong opposition, the Congress government seems set to move forward with the plan, which could reshape government procurement policies in the state.
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