The Congress-led Siddaramaiah administration in Karnataka is currently exploring a proposal to extend reservation benefits to Islamic contractors for government tenders, particularly for civil works projects valued up to Rs 1 crore. Based on the OpIndia reports, this move has sparked significant political debate and is being widely viewed as part of a broader strategy to consolidate minority support, particularly among the Ahinda (a coalition of minorities, backward classes, and Dalits). Many argue that this is an instance of minority appeasement or Islamisation in state governance, a sentiment bolstered by additional schemes and provisions aimed at the Islamic community.
Proposed quota for Islamists in government contracts
The proposal under consideration seeks to create a 4% reservation for Islamists in public tenders, classified under Category-2B. Currently, Karnataka has a 43% reservation system for government contracts, distributed as follows:
SC/STs: 24%; OBC Category 1: 4%; OBC Category 2A: 15%
If this 4% Islamic quota is approved, the total reservation in government tenders would increase to 47%. The government has positioned this proposal as a measure to empower minority communities, asserting that Islamist contractors are underrepresented in public contracting.
The concept of reservation in civil works contracts was first introduced by Siddaramaiah during his previous tenure as Chief Minister. Initially, this applied to SC/ST contractors, but earlier this year, the government extended similar benefits to other OBC communities within Category-1 and Category-2A, which include groups like Kurubas, Idigas, Besta, Uppara, and Dalit Christians. Each of these categories represents various socio-economically marginalized groups in Karnataka.
Siddaramaiah’s political strategy has long emphasized the Ahinda grouping, which comprises minorities, backward classes, and Dalits. By focusing on reservations in government tenders, the Congress government is perceived as attempting to bolster support from these communities, especially in the lead-up to critical elections. However, opposition leaders argue that this is primarily aimed at securing votes from the Islamic community and suggest it is an example of political Islamisation.
Statement by former Karnataka minister Iqbal Ansari
“I go to Siddaramaiah, and every six months we receive 100 crores for the Muslim community in the form of some scheme. As long as Siddaramaiah is there, me, you, and our community can get something done for ourselves.”
This statement by former minister Iqbal Ansari has added fuel to the ongoing controversy surrounding the Karnataka government’s recent consideration of a 4% reservation quota for Islamists in public tenders. Ansari’s remarks suggest a pattern of dedicated financial allocation to the Islamic community under Siddaramaiah’s administration, reinforcing perceptions of a deliberate political strategy aimed at securing support from the Islamic population. Critics argue that this policy aligns with an alleged Islamisation agenda, where the government prioritizes one religious group over Hindus in public contracts and welfare schemes.
The BJP and other critics argue that the proposed 4% quota for Islamists in government tenders is unnecessary and unjust, suggesting that it discriminates against other deserving categories and fuels resentment between communities. They maintain that the Congress government is pandering to a single religious group to solidify political alliances under the guise of social welfare.
The Congress has defended its stance on reservations for Islamists. Ahead of the 2023 state elections, the BJP removed the existing 4% reservation for Islamists under the OBC 2B category, reallocating them to the 10% Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) pool and simultaneously increasing the reservation for Lingayats and Vokkaligas by 2% each.
Explaining the decision, former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai stated, “Muslims have been shifted from the 2B OBC category to the EWS quota, as the Constitution doesn’t provide for reservations based on religion. Dr. Ambedkar emphasized that reservations should be based on caste. The shift to EWS is in line with both old and new categories being economically defined.” In response, at that time Siddaramaiah criticized the BJP’s decision, which eliminated the 2B category reservation for Islamists and reallocated it to Lingayats and Vokkaligas, calling it an attempt to sow discord among communities.
Alongside the proposed reservation in public tenders, the Congress government has also rolled out a variety of welfare schemes specifically targeting the Islamic community. These include funding for educational scholarships, housing, and other financial aid.
The Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in Karnataka faces criticism for what some describe as Islamisation through targeted policies that benefit the Islamic community. The recent developments in Karnataka, including the Waqf Board’s claims over public properties, ASI-protected monuments, and agricultural lands, alongside the government’s proposal to withdraw notices issued to farmers in connection with these claims, have sparked significant controversy. Critics argue that these moves represent a broader trend of appeasement and favoritism, casting doubts on the state’s commitment to protecting the rights and interests of all communities, especially the Hindu population.
Many perceive these actions as indicative of the Congress-led administration’s alleged bias, prioritizing Islamist interests over equitable governance. For some, the withdrawal of notices and the Waqf Board’s growing influence suggest a government that appears to marginalize Hindu stakeholders in favor of religious minorities. The growing anti-Hindu, pro-jihadi mindset in Karnataka is detrimental to Hindus.
