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Calling the Karnataka government's approval of a 4 per cent minority quota in contracts as "anti-constitutional and anti-democratic," BJP MLC N Ravikumar said his party will raise the issue in both the Houses in the State on Monday.
"It is not right to give 4 per cent reservations to Muslims and minorities in government contracts. It is anti-constitutional and anti-democratic. The BJP will oppose it. We ask Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar what others will do?... On Monday, the BJP will raise the issue in both the Houses," a BJP leader said on Sunday. Earlier on Saturday, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar clarified that the state government's decision to provide a four per cent reservation in government contracts is not exclusive to Muslims but extends to all minority communities and backward classes. "Four per cent reservation is not just for Muslims but all minority communities and backward classes," he said. The decision was taken on Friday in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the Cabinet Hall of the Vidhan Sabha. Official sources added that the amendment will be made after the KTPP act is tabled in the ongoing assembly session. The Cabinet has approved the presentation of the obedience in the same session, likely on Monday. Earlier on March 7, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed that four per cent of public works contracts will now be reserved for Muslims under a category called Category-II B while presenting Karnataka government's Budget. Reservation will be provided in the procurement of goods and services under various government departments, corporations, and institutions for suppliers belonging to SC, ST, Category-I, Category-II A, and Category-II B, up to Rs 1 crore, in which Category-II B refers to Muslims. (ANI)
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