'4% Reservation Not Just For Muslims:' DK Shivakumar Backs CM Siddaramaiah On Quota Row

DK Shivakumar clarification came after opposition parties criticised it as an attempt to appease the Muslim community.

By : ABP Live News | Updated at : 15 Mar 2025 11:30 PM (IST)

File photo of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.
Source : PTI

After the political debate over the 4 per cent quota in government contracts for Muslims in Karnataka has intensified, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has come out in support of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. His clarification came after opposition parties criticised it as an attempt to appease the Muslim community. This quota is not for jobs or education but allows contractors to bid for government projects worth up to Rs 1 crore.

Dismissing the claims, about the 4 per cent quota is exclusively for Muslims, DK Shivakumar said, “The 4% quota is not just for Muslims but for all minorities and backward classes.”

On Friday (March 14, 2025), CM Siddaramaiah announced the reservation in government contracts while presenting the 2025-26 state budget. He also allocated Rs 42,018 crore for the welfare of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

Budget Included Category 2B, Primarily Covering Muslims

In his budget speech, CM Siddaramaiah did not name any particular community. However, the budget included Category 2B, which primarily covers Muslims. He stated, "Under the provisions of the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act, the reservation for SC, ST, Category-I, Category-IIA, and Category-IIB contractors in government contracts will be increased to Rs 2 crore."

The Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act was amended and approved to ensure transparency in government procurement. Now, suppliers from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Category 1, Category 2A, and Category 2B will be eligible for reservations in government departments, corporations, and institutions for procurement of goods and services up to Rs 1 crore.

Minority leaders had requested a 4 per cent reservation for Muslim contractors, similar to the quota provided for SCs, STs, and other backward communities. Following this, a cabinet meeting led by Siddaramaiah was held to discuss the introduction of the bill.

Earlier in the day, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad told India Today, "The BJP is against this, and we will keep opposing it... Religion-based reservation is not permissible under the Indian Constitution... Reservation on government contracts is completely unconstitutional. It can be allowed on the basis of social backwardness, but it is not permissible (to provide) directly to a religious community."

ALSO READ | Karnataka Dy CM Shivakumar Alleges MLAs 'Blackmailing' Govt Over Bengaluru's Garbage Crisis

Published at : 15 Mar 2025 11:30 PM (IST)
Tags :
D.K. Shivakumar Karnataka News SIddaramaiah

Follow Cities News on ABP Live for more latest stories and trending topics. Watch breaking news and top headlines online on ABP News LIVE TV
View More