Karnataka's 4% Public Tender Quota for Minorities Faces Political Backlash

The Karnataka government defends its new reservation policy for public contracts, while opposition parties accuse it of religious favoritism.

The Karnataka government has amended the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act to introduce a 4% reservation for minority contractors, including Muslims, in public tenders up to ₹1 crore.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar clarified that the policy is inclusive of all minorities and backward classes, not exclusively Muslims, and mirrors similar provisions previously granted to SC/ST communities.
Critics, including BJP leaders, have labeled the move as unconstitutional and accused the Congress-led government of engaging in appeasement politics for electoral gains.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah allocated ₹42,018 crore in the state budget for SC/ST welfare and emphasized the broader inclusion of marginalized groups under the new policy.
The BJP has warned that such policies could set concerning precedents, with some leaders claiming it undermines the constitutional principle of equality.