‘Supreme’ reprimanded for ending reservation for Muslims, yet why BJP is happy in Karnataka

Supreme Court: The Bommai government of Karnataka has been reprimanded by the Supreme Court for abolishing the four percent reservation quota for Muslims in Karnataka. On this reprimand, the opposition parties are celebrating and criticizing the BJP. However, the ruling BJP is upbeat about the development. The Supreme Court has recently said that the decision to withdraw four per cent reservation for Muslims under the OBC category appears to be ‘based on fallacious assumptions’ and ‘on shaky foundations’.

CM Basavaraj Bommai’s government abolished the reservation given to Muslims and brought them under the 10 percent reservation provided for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). At the same time, the reservation quota for the dominant Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities has been increased by two percent each. The ruling BJP government just before the end of its term has announced new reservations for SC/ST groups with internal reservations. Opposition parties criticized the BJP for taking a hasty decision on revising the reservation structure.

Congress will withdraw the amendment in reservation if it comes to power

State Congress President DK Shivakumar has openly challenged that it is a matter of few days now and when his party comes to power after the elections, the amendment in reservation will be withdrawn. The opposition made it a big issue and targeted the BJP, saying that the saffron party had insulted the Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities by giving them reservation for Muslims. Shivakumar had asked whether the Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities had asked for the withdrawal of reservation for Muslims to increase their quota.

He alleged that this was being done under the policy of creating hatred between communities. Sources in the state BJP unit said that with the decision to withdraw reservation for Muslims, a message has been given to Hindus. He said that attacks on BJP will only polarize Hindu votes for the party.

There was no harm to Muslims – Yeddyurappa

Former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa had earlier said that the transfer of four per cent reservation has not caused any harm to the Muslim community. He said, “Muslims have been brought under the EWS quota. There should be no misunderstanding.” Yediyurappa also said that since it is not possible to give reservation on the basis of religion, they (Muslims) have been brought under the EWS quota. He said that the central government is implementing pro-poor and farmer schemes. If there is a difference, they (Muslims) will agree.

The Karnataka government had announced the new reservation quota after the last cabinet meeting. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had announced 7 per cent reservation for Lingayats, 6 per cent for Vokkaligas, 6 per cent for Scheduled Castes (Left), 5.5 per cent for Scheduled Castes (Right), one per cent for Bhovis, Banjaras and others. Bommai defended his government’s decision that religious minorities do not have reservation quota in seven states. It has been decided to give reservation to Muslims under EWS quota.

Read this too- Karnataka Election 2023: What is the hold of Vokkaliga and Lingayat community in the politics of Karnataka?