Karnataka Passes 4% Muslim Quota Bill; BJP MLAs Protest, Tear Copies

The Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Friday passed a bill leading to protests from the BJP leaders. The bill proposes a 4% reservation for Muslim contractors in state’s government tenders. The move was introduced by the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government, However the bill sparked a heated political debate in the assembly. The BJP leaders called it “unconstitutional” and further vowed to challenge it in court.

BJP Protests

The bill was passed amidst the honey trap scandal that has rocked Karnataka politics. Following the passage of the bill, a massive uproar erupted in the Karnataka Assembly. As the Congress government moved forward with the reservation bill, the BJP leaders stormed in the well of the House.

Soon the BJP leaders started chanting slogans, and even climbed onto the Speaker’s seat. Not just that in a very dramatic escalation, the BJP members tore copies of the bill and hurled them toward the Speaker, expressing their fierce opposition over the bill.

Karnataka Assembly adjourned following ruckus in House

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Furthermore, the BJP MLA Bharath Shetty justified the protest, stating, “Instead of discussing the honey trap scam, the Chief Minister was busy presenting the four per cent Muslim bill and hence we protested. The government MLAs also tore papers and threw books at us; we didn’t harm anybody.”

The Congress Defends Reservation

Meanwhile, the Congress government defended the bill. The party stated that the 4% quota for Muslim contractors was aimed at ensuring social justice. They also claimed that it will provide economic opportunities for minorities. Following this the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also backed the decision. He stated that the move aligns with his government’s commitment to inclusive development and affirmative action.

However, the bill did not sit well with the BJP. They strongly opposed the bill, calling it appeasement politics. The party further accused the Congress of diverting attention from more pressing issues like the ongoing honey trap scandal.

What is the Honey Trap Scandal?

Well, all the trouble began with the Honey Trap Scandal. The Assembly session was already tense and heated due to Cooperative Minister KN Rajanna’s disclosure about a honey trap scandal. The BJP leaders held up CDs, alleging them to be evidence of blackmail and entrapment. These revelations further escalated tensions in the House.

What does KN Rajanna say?

Rajanna stated, “Many people say Karnataka has become a CD and pen drive factory. This is a serious allegation. It is being said that two influential ministers from Tumakuru have been caught in a honey trap. The ones from Tumakuru are G Parameshwara and me.”

“I will file a complaint. The Home Minister must investigate this matter. Let the producers and directors of this be caught. Let the public know who is behind this,” Rajanna said.

Now the BJP is planning a legal challenge against the bill. Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding both the reservation policy and the honey trap scandal will be watched closely,