Wed Mar 19 14:56:02 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Deputy CM Defends 4% Minority Quota Amidst BJP Opposition
**Bengaluru, India** – Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has staunchly defended the Congress government’s proposed 4% reservation in government contracts for minorities, dismissing BJP criticism as hypocritical. Shivakumar asserted that the BJP, while publicly opposing the policy, secretly admires and ultimately adopts Congress initiatives. He stated the quota aims to uplift economically deprived sections of society, encompassing all backward classes and minorities, not just Muslims.
The Congress plans to amend the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act, 1999, to implement the reservation during the current assembly session. This move has drawn sharp condemnation from the BJP, which accuses the Congress of favoritism and minority appeasement. Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad criticized the reservation as unconstitutional, arguing that religion-based quotas are impermissible under Indian law and that reservations in government contracts should be based solely on social backwardness. Prasad warned of nationwide implications, viewing the policy as indicative of the Congress and Rahul Gandhi’s overall approach.
Shivakumar, however, remains defiant, reiterating that the government’s intention is purely to improve the economic conditions of marginalized communities. The debate is expected to continue to dominate Karnataka’s political landscape, with significant national implications given the upcoming general elections.
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