BJP targets Rahul over 4% quota for Muslim contractors in Karnataka; For all minorities: DKS

BJP criticized Congress over Karnataka's 4% reservation for Muslim contractors in the state budget, calling it unconstitutional and based on religion. BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad claimed Rahul Gandhi influenced the decision, while Karnataka's deputy CM D K Shivakumar argued the quota benefits all backward classes and minorities, not just Muslims.

NEW DELHI: BJP on Saturday said Congress refuses to learn despite multiple poll losses and continues with its appeasement politics as it slammed the party over 4% reservation for Muslim contractors announced by its govt in Karnataka budget. "Such an announcement will have nationwide implications. This also signals mentality of Congress and Rahul Gandhi," said senior BJP functionary Ravi Shankar Prasad at a press conference.

"BJP is against this, and we will keep opposing it...

Religion-based reservation is not permissible under Indian Constitution...

Reservation on govt contracts is completely unconstitutional...

It can be allowed on the basis of social backwardness...

but it is not permissible (to provide) directly to a religious community," Prasad said. He claimed Rahul is behind Karnataka govt's decision for quota as CM Siddaramaiah does not have courage or political capital to take the decision. Quota not just for Muslims, says DKS: Karnataka's deputy CM D K Shivakumar Saturday dismissed criticism of state govt's 4% reservation in govt contracts for Muslims, claiming the quota was meant for all backward classes and minorities, not just Muslims.

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