Karnataka: Here's What CM Siddaramaiah Said While Defending The Muslims Quota Under Backward Class Category

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has staunchly defended the state's 4 per cent reservation for Muslims under the backward classes category in Karnataka.

Siddaramaiah took to Twitter now X to clarify that the inclusion of Muslims in the 2B category for backward classes in Karnataka is not a recent development.

“This reservation has been in place for the past three decades. Neither the BJP government previously in power at the state, nor the Narendra Modi-led Union Government that has been in power for the past ten years, has questioned this reservation. Moreover, no one, including the BJP, has challenged it in court,” Siddaramaiah said.

The Chief Minister also criticized the previous BJP government's decision to scrap the 4 per cent quota for Muslims, which he alleged was aimed at exploiting religious sentiments to gain electoral advantage.

Recently, PM Modi had said, "Once again, Congress has given reservation on the basis of religion in Karnataka through backdoor by putting all Muslim castes along with the OBCs. By doing so, it has snatched a big chunk of reservation from the OBC community."

Challenging Modi to substantiate his allegations or issue an apology, Siddaramaiah mentioned, “Where has Congress stated that it would take away reservations from backward classes and SC/STs to give them to Muslims? Which state government under Congress has implemented such a policy? Is there any official government document related to this?”

He also called upon former JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda to clarify his stance on the issue.

Additionally, Siddaramaiah questioned Modi on the status of the BJP government's decision to increase reservation for SC/STs, urging the Prime Minister to address these pressing concerns instead of making unfounded accusations.

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