Bengaluru:
Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot has sent the bill for consent to President Draupadi Murmu, giving 4 percent reservation to Muslims in government contracts, saying that the Constitution does not allow reservation on the basis of religion.
In a statement, the governor said that he was sending a bill to the President using his discretionary powers.
The Public Procurement (Amendment) bill was passed by the State Assembly in March to provide 4 percent reservation for Muslims in public contracts.
The state’s opposition BJP and HD Kumaraswamy’s Janata Dal secular called the bill “unconstitutional”. Both parties followed the governor with a petition stating that the bill would “polarize the society”.
While there is no provision for quota for religious groups, they include reservation as members of specific backward communities. Muslim social groups Momin and Julah were included in the AE Central OBC lists.
The current Bill was originated during the first term of Mr. Siddaramaiah as the Chief Minister. 24 percent quota for scheduled castes and tribes was proposed for civil work contracts.
In 2025, it was extended to include backward classes. The Congress says that Muslims have been included as OBC Deputy Charani.
The BJP claims that the bill is unconstitutional as it provides reservation on religious grounds.
