Latest karnataka assembly News | Top karnataka assembly News Headlines Today | Today India news | Breaking karnataka assembly News Today | English karnataka assembly News Headlines - TheDailyGuardian

Quotas, Questions and the Constitution: The debate over 4% Muslim reservation

May 1, 2025, 1:24 am

On March 21, 2025, the Karnataka Assembly has passed a bill amending the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act to establish a 4% reservation in public contracts for Category II(B), including backward castes within the Muslim community. This reservation pertains to government civil works contracts valued up to Rs. 2 crore, an increase from the prior limit of Rs. 1 crore.
The goal of this legislation is to increase the participation of underserved Muslim communities in public procurement processes. Since the governing Congress party argues for the need and the opposition BJP doubts its constitutional legality, it has caused significant political debate.
Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot has forwarded a bill that was approved by both houses of the state’s legislature to President Droupadi Murmu for her approval, granting Muslims quota in government contracts. The BJP claimed the Bill was illegal because there is no provision in the Indian Constitution permitting religion-based reservations. It said that the Bill is a reflection of the ruling Congress’s appeasement tactics.

What is this law about?
The KTPP Act, 1999, was enforced to promote openness, fairness, and responsibility in how public entities in the state handle their procurement processes. The Act establishes clear and consistent procedures for inviting, processing, and accepting tenders related to the procurement of goods, services, and civil works by government departments, public sector undertakings, and local bodies. The Act seeks to simplify procurement processes to help avoid irregularities and ensure that public funds are used efficiently.

Major amendments over time
Since it was first introduced, the KTPP Act has seen various updates to tackle new challenges and enhance procurement practices. Some important changes were made in 2007, to introduce e-procurement and e-procurement platform to bring in best practices in public procurement. In 2017, overcome the unemployment problem in the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes Community and to encourage their participation in such number of works not exceeding 17.15 percent for persons belonging to the Scheduled castes and not exceeding 6.95 percent for the persons belonging to the Scheduled tribes out of the total number of Government construction works upto Rupees 50.00 lakhs. The 2020 amendment, increase the limit for value of procurement of goods and services for application of provisions of this Act from rupees one lakh to rupees five lakhs. The recent amendment of 2025 to the KTPP Act, which established a 4% reservation in public procurement contracts for contractors from Category II(B) of the state’s Other Backward Classes (OBC) list, encompassing Muslims This reservation is relevant for civil works contracts worth up to Rs.2 crore and for goods or services contracts valued at up to Rs.1 crore. The amendment seeks to foster inclusivity and create economic opportunities for communities that have been historically marginalised.
The latest amendment has ignited much political and legal discourse. Critics, particularly members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), contend that the reservation is illegal, because it confers advantages based on religion, which is prohibited by the Indian Constitution. The Karnataka government asserts that the quota is predicated on social and educational backwardness rather than religion, aiming to elevate marginalised populations. The dispute prompted the Governor of Karnataka to submit the law to the President of India for approval, citing apprehensions over its constitutionality.
Constitutional position
Critics contend that the introduction of reservations or special benefits exclusively based on religious identity could infringe upon the secular essence of the Constitution and provisions such as Article 15(1), which forbids discrimination based on religion. Although the Constitution permits affirmative action for classes deemed socially and educationally disadvantaged under Article 15(4) and 16(4), it is imperative that any classification relies on objective measures of backwardness rather than solely on religious identity. The Supreme Court in Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992) unequivocally determined that religion, in itself, cannot serve as a foundation for reservation; however, the backwardness of a religious group may be taken into account if it is suitably categorised. Consequently, establishing a direct connection between the findings of the Sachar Committee and religion-based reservations, in the absence of a thorough socio-economic evaluation and classification, may be perceived as constitutionally questionable and could potentially be invalidated for contravening the principle of equality before the law as enshrined in Article 14.
The Sachar Committee Report (2006) indicated that Muslims in India, albeit the largest minority, are disadvantaged compared to most other socio-religious groups regarding socio-economic development. It emphasised that Muslims exhibited low literacy rates, particularly among women, and faced inadequate access to higher education and government employment opportunities. The population was identified as under-represented in official institutions such as civil services, law enforcement, and the court, while being predominantly employed in low-wage informal sector positions with no job security. Financial exclusion was a significant issue, as locations with Muslim populations exhibited a scarcity of bank branches, resulting in restricted access to credit and savings services. The research noted the ghettoisation of Muslims in metropolitan areas, partially attributed to discrimination in housing and education. The committee determined that the community was experiencing systemic social and economic marginalisation and suggested inclusive development strategies, enhanced data collecting, focused government initiatives, and affirmative action to ameliorate their circumstances.

What lies ahead?
The discourse regarding reservations for Muslims, prompted by the Sachar Committee’s findings and recent policy measures such as Karnataka’s 4% quota in public procurement, highlights the intricate interplay of social equity, constitutional tenets, and political determination. Although there is compelling evidence indicating the socio-economic marginalisation of specific segments within the Muslim community, the approach to remedying this situation—especially when articulated in religious contexts—invokes constitutional and legal considerations that warrant thorough examination. The issue now lies with the President of India, subsequent to the Governor’s referral, and the actions undertaken will probably establish a precedent for analogous policies throughout various states. Consequently, it is imperative to defer to the constitutional review and any prospective judicial interpretation prior to reaching conclusive determinations, while remaining cognisant of the necessity to harmonise equity with adherence to constitutional principles.

Dr. Zeeshan is an Assistant Professor of Law at Amity University Rajasthan and Dr. Alisha is an Assistant Professor of Law at Symbiosis Law School, Pune.

Karnataka Assembly Uproar Over Alleged ‘Honeytrap’ Scandal; Papers Torn, CDs Waved

March 21, 2025, 12:41 pm

The Karnataka legislature saw chaos on Friday after cooperation minister KN Rajanna’s allegations that 48 people had become victims of “honey traps,” with their explicit videos being shared. While chief minister Siddaramaiah came to the defense of his government, opposition members belonging to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rushed into the well of the house, shouting slogans and calling for a judicial probe into the issue.

During the angry protest, BJP leaders shredded papers near the speaker’s chair and brandished CDs, asserting they had proof of the scandal. The commotion persisted despite Siddaramaiah’s efforts to reassure the assembly, ANI said.

CM Siddaramaiah’s Reaction

Siddaramaiah strongly denied that he was covering up anyone implicated in the honey trap case. “It is the government’s duty to safeguard anybody in the case. The law states that the culprits must be punished. The Home Minister responded that if Rajanna had complained, a high-profile investigation would be looked into. Rajanna didn’t mention anyone, action could be initiated if he had mentioned somebody. There is no issue of safeguarding anybody in the case,” ANI quoted him as saying.

Earlier, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said that the alleged honey trap attempt on Rajendra Rajanna, MLC and son of KN Rajanna, would be investigated at a high level.

KN Rajanna’s Explosive Claims

Cooperation minister KN Rajanna on Thursday accused at least 48 politicians of being honey-trapped across several parties at the state and national levels. His accusation followed BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal’s mention of his name as an alleged attempt to honey-trap him.

Reacting to the allegation, Rajanna validated the claim and called for Home Minister G Parameshwara to order an inquiry.

BJP Labels It a Conspiracy

R Ashoka, BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition, termed the honey trap scam as the “biggest conspiracy against legislators,” emphasizing that it was not of one party’s issue.

“It is not one party’s issue, it’s the biggest conspiracy against legislators who are serving people and some are doing this (honey trap) with a clear hidden agenda,” ANI quoted him saying.

With political tensions heightening, the call for an independent investigation into the honey trap charges continues to grow.

Demand for Debate on MUDA Scam: BJP Stages Overnight Protest in Karnataka Assembly

July 25, 2024, 8:45 am

BJP MLAs, including Leader of Opposition R Ashok and Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra, spent Wednesday night in the assembly protesting and demanding a discussion on the alleged Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam.

The Karnataka BJP unit is calling for the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accusing him of being the “father of the MUDA scam.”

“The multi-crore corruption of the Valmiki Development Corporation by the corrupt Congress government betrays the scheduled caste communities by misusing funds meant for their development,” the BJP stated on X. The protest, led by state president BY Vijayendra and Leader of Opposition R Ashok, saw BJP and JDS members of both Houses participate in an hourly sit-in satyagraha at Vidhansauda. “We demand the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the father of the MUDA scam. Our struggle will continue until justice is served to the Scheduled Tribe communities and the poor,” they added.

State BJP President Vijayendra condemned the Mysore MUDA scam and reiterated the call for Siddaramaiah’s resignation, highlighting the multi-crore corruption involving the Valmiki Development Corporation. He criticized Siddaramaiah for trying to avoid responsibility by claiming ignorance of the scam. “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who holds the finance portfolio, says he is not responsible for the protection of Rs 187 crores of Valmiki Corporation. This is a cunning ploy to evade responsibility, which will be exposed during the investigation,” Vijayendra said.

Vijayendra accused the state government of betraying the Scheduled Castes by diverting funds meant for their welfare and questioned why the government hesitated to investigate the MUDA scam. “You are the father of this scam, having illegally acquired 14 plots in your wife’s name, defrauding the beneficiaries and the dignity of the Chief Minister’s office,” he said.

The BJP leader also criticized the state government for suppressing freedom of expression and likened their actions to the Emergency imposed by former PM Indira Gandhi in 1975. “Our struggle is against your repressive attitude, and it will continue until your government, which is trying to darken the democratic system and protect corruption, is removed from power,” he stated.

BJP leader Dr. CN Ashwath Narayan said their protest is a response to the state government’s rejection of their request for a discussion on the MUDA scam, which he claimed involved over four thousand crores and implicated the Chief Minister and his family. “By rejecting our request for discussion, they disrespected the Constitution. That’s why the BJP and JDS in the Legislative Council and Assembly are demanding the CM’s resignation and are protesting by sleeping inside the assembly,” he said.

Court summons Rahul Gandhi, Siddaramaiah & Shivakumar in defamation case filed by BJP

February 24, 2024, 9:46 am

In the backdrop of last year’s Karnataka Assembly elections, the Congress accused the BJP of involvement in “40 percent corruption” and extensively propagated these allegations through multiple newspaper advertisements. On Friday, a city court issued summons for the former Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, directing them to personally appear on March 28. This legal summons is in response to a case filed by the BJP.

Special Judge J Preeth directed the commencement of a criminal case against the accused, including the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee. The BJP contended that the Congress leaders, including the then Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, circulated deceptive advertisements targeting their party leaders. These allegations originated during the Karnataka Assembly elections, where the Congress asserted “40 percent corruption” by the BJP and published various newspaper ads accusing the then ruling party of corruption. A poster campaign, featuring ‘PayCM’ posters adorned with Bommai’s images, was also initiated, accompanied by the release of a ‘corruption rate card’ against the previous government. Following the Assembly elections, the BJP filed a defamation case against the Congress leaders, alleging that the advertisements had adversely impacted the party’s reputation.

Vinod Kumar, the BJP’s legal representative in court, argued that the “false” advertisements had caused damage to the BJP’s image. After careful consideration of the arguments, the 42nd Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) court mandated the personal appearance of the Congress leaders on March 28 in connection with the case.

Karnataka CM Appoints MLA Rayareddy as Economic Advisor

December 30, 2023, 7:25 pm

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has appointed Basavaraj Rayareddy, a party MLA, as his economic advisor with a cabinet rank status on Friday (29 December 2023).

Additionally, R V Deshpande, a Congress MLA, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the State Administrative Reforms Commission, also with a cabinet ranking. Furthermore, BR Patil has been appointed as an advisor to the Chief Minister, and both Deshpande and Patil will enjoy the cabinet rank status as well.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that Rayareddy has extensive knowledge in the finance sector and expressed confidence that the Gruha Lakshmi scheme will benefit all residents of Karnataka.

In advance, the Chief Minister announced plans to organize a job fair in Bengaluru in the last week of January. A team of ministers, including Industry Minister MB Patil, IT, BT and Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge, Skill Development and Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil, Higher Education Minister MC Sudhakar, Youth Empowerment and Scheduled Tribes Welfare Minister B Nagendra, Labour Minister Santosh Lad, and Health Minister Dinesh Gundurao, has been formed.

The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between the skills of job seekers and the needs of the industries and instructed the group of ministers to engage in discussions with industries and provide recommendations for long-term programs.

Congress MLA’s Proposal to Rename Mysuru Airport After Tipu Sultan Sparks Heated Debate in Karnataka Assembly

December 15, 2023, 3:04 pm

A proposal by Congress MLA Prasad Abbayya to rename Mysuru airport after Tipu Sultan, a Muslim ruler, has ignited a fiery debate in the Karnataka Assembly. The suggestion, made during a discussion about the state government’s request to the Centre to change airport names, drew sharp criticism from BJP MLAs.

Abbayya, representing Hubballi-Dharwad (East), stated, “I propose the renaming of Mysuru airport to Tipu Sultan airport,” leading to protests and objections from BJP MLAs. The heated exchange highlighted the polarizing views surrounding Tipu Sultan.

Nevertheless, the Karnataka Assembly passed a resolution recommending the union government to rename four airports after prominent personalities. The proposed names include Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna for Hubballi Airport, Kittur Rani Chennamma for Belagavi Airport, Rashtrakavi Dr KV Puttappa (Kuvempu) for Shivamogga Airport, and Sri Jagadjyoti Basaveshwara for Vijayapura airport.

Infrastructure Development Minister MB Patil confirmed that the recommended names would be submitted to the union government for approval. The decision reflects the assembly’s effort to honour diverse historical figures through airport nomenclature.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had previously praised both Kittur Rani Channamma and Tipu Sultan as inspirations for self-respect, emphasizing their historical significance. However, Tipu Sultan remains a controversial figure in Karnataka, with debates over his legacy and political decisions surrounding celebrations like “Tipu Jayanti.”

The assembly’s resolution signifies an attempt to acknowledge multiple perspectives and commemorate various historical figures, contributing to a nuanced understanding of Karnataka’s rich history.

Karnataka Assembly elections: Polling ends with 65.69% voter turnout until 5 pm

May 10, 2023, 6:35 pm

Polling for the Karnataka Assembly ended at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, with the overall voter turnout at 65.69% as of 5 p.m., according to the Election Commission (EC).

According to the EC, the Chickaballapur district had the highest polling rate until 5 p.m., at 76.64 percent, while the BBMP (South) district had the lowest, at 48.63 percent. Up until 5 p.m., Bangalore Rural had 76.10 percent of the vote, with Bagalkot trailing at 70.04 percent and Bangalore Urban at 52.19 percent.

The EC also stated that B.B.M.P (Central) and B.B.M.P (North) had turnouts of 50.10 percent and 50.02 percent, respectively, until 5 p.m. The voter turnout was 52.18 percent until 3 p.m., up from 37.25 percent at 1 p.m. and 20.99 percent at 11 a.m.

Karnataka’s 224 Assembly constituencies went to the polls at 7 a.m. on Wednesday.

Karnataka: JP Nadda to release BJP manifesto for elections tomorrow

April 30, 2023, 6:05 pm

According to sources, the Bharatiya Janata Party will release its election manifesto for the Karnataka Assembly elections on Monday.

JP Nadda, the party’s president, will release the manifesto in the presence of Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and party veteran BS Yediyurappa. According to sources, the party manifesto may prioritize youth welfare, infrastructure development, and women’s empowerment.

In order to entice first-time voters, a special announcement can be made for high school graduates and female students. The BJP touched every segment of society in its 2018 election manifesto. Cow protection measures were also included in the party’s manifesto.

Meanwhile, during an election rally in Kolar on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the Congress for drawing parallels between him and a snake. PM Modi stated that the people of Karnataka will provide the party with a “worthy response” in the upcoming Assembly elections.

In another news, during an election rally in Karnataka’s Kalaburagi on Thursday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said, “PM Modi is like a ‘poisonous snake’, you might think it’s poison or not. If you lick it, you are dead.”

Lashing out at Congress over the remark, PM Modi said, “Today when I am fighting against corruption, Congress is disturbed the most. Congress is now threatening. They say ‘Modi teri kabra khudegi’. Congress’ topic in Karnataka elections is snake’s poison.

“They are comparing me with a snake and seeking votes from people. For me, the people of the country are a form of Lord Shiva. I accept being the snake on the neck of the god-like public. The people of Karnataka will give them a befitting answer on May 10.”

JP Nadda on 2-day visit to poll-bound Karnataka from today

April 18, 2023, 2:16 pm

J P Nadda, national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, is scheduled to visit poll-bound Karnataka on Tuesday, a day after its senior leader and former Chief Minister Jagadeesh Shettar joined the Congress party after being denied a ticket.

Nadda will visit Hubli and Shiggaon (Haveri) during his visit and will take part in several public programs and organizational meetings, including visits to some key mutts in the Hubli district, according to an official statement from the party. This is Nadda’s first visit to the state since the party announced candidates for the Assembly elections, according to the statement. “The visit gains significance ahead of the Karnataka Assembly elections,” the statement said.

During his visit, Nadda is expected to take part in a number of public programs and party organizational meetings, including a massive road show and public rally in the Haveri district.
The statement went on to say that Nadda is expected to land at Hubli Airport later today and that he will be greeted warmly by BJP leaders and karyakartas.

B Y Vijayendra denies receiving a ticket due to the fact that he is yediyurappa’s son

April 14, 2023, 12:42 pm

Karnataka BJP leader and former chief minister BS Yediyurappa’s son B Y Vijayendra on Friday said that the party has given him ticket and that he feels blessed to contest the assembly polls from Shikaripur.

“I am blessed to contest from the constituency that my father represented for 40 years. I am happy to contest from Shikaripur. It is a dream come true for me…It’s unfair to say that I’ve been given a ticket as I am BS Yediyurappa’s son,” said Vijayendra. “Today BJP has reached every nook and corner of Karnataka because of BS Yediyurappa and other senior leaders. Today Karnataka is happy with PM Modi’s leadership and double-engine government,” he added.

On Wednesday, senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa said that the party was trying to pacify those not happy with the choice of candidates amid rumours of dissent in the ranks following the unveiling of the party’s first list of candidates for the ensuing Karnataka Assembly polls.His remarks followed a series of resignations and retirements by BJP leaders, who were denied tickets to contest the May 10 elections.

Yediyurappa said, “We accept that there are some issues. I am trying to pacify everybody (dissenters). We are trying to put our best foot forward to retain the state. Three are issues as 3-4 people are expected to be fielded from their preferred constituencies. We are trying to pacify and convince them to rally around the party and help us come back to power in Karnataka. This is happening only in a few places. We are in talks with them.”

On Jagadish Shettar, a former Karnataka CM and six-time BJP MLA, who was among the notable absentees from the BJP’s first list of candidates released on Tuesday late evening, Yediyurappa said there was a bright chance of his name featuring in the second list.

“There is a 99 per cent chance that Jagadish Shettar (former Karnataka CM) will get a ticket from Hubli,” he said.On senior party leader KS Eshwarappa’s announcing that he was retiring from electoral politics, Yediyurappa said it was a “voluntary” decision.
“Eshwarappa voluntarily wrote to the party president saying he would work day and night for the party but wasn’t willing to contest. However, there are others who are upset at not finding their names on the list of candidates. We are working to pacify them and unite for the larger cause, which is to help the BJP win Karnataka again. Let’s see what happens,” Yediyurappa said.