been passed in the state assembly, making significant changes to the 1999 Act. According to the government, the purpose of these amendments is to enhance governance, empower local bodies, and promote inclusivity in public tenders.
Under this provision, Muslims are being given 4 % reservation in civil works up to ₹ 2 crore and goods / services contracts up to ₹ 1 crore. The BJP has declared this move unconstitutional and has announced legal action. Former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai alleged that the Congress government is violating the basic principles of the Constitution by granting reservation to minorities. He claimed this is an attempt to incite social unrest and strengthen vote banks.
This issue has now reached Parliament, where heated debates over Muslim reservations were witnessed in the Rajya Sabha.
Muslim Reservation Exists in Multiple States
Last year, the Calcutta High Court cancelled OBC certificates issued after 2010 due to the West Bengal government ' s inclusion of Muslims in the OBC category. According to media reports, apart from West Bengal, states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka( stayed by court), Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and
Rajasthan have also granted reservations to Muslims unconstitutionally.
For instance, Kerala: 8 % in education and 10 % in jobs for Muslims. Tamil Nadu: 3.5 % for Muslims. Telangana: 4 % OBC reservation for Muslims. Andhra Pradesh: 7-10 %. Uttar Pradesh: 28 Muslim castes included under OBC. Bihar & Rajasthan: Muslims benefiting under OBC reservations
The earlier Muslim reservation in Karnataka was stayed by the court, but now the government is attempting to reintroduce it through a new law.
April 2025 | Dalit Andolan Patrika 17