Though opposition parties are celebrating and criticising the BJP-led Karnataka government following a reprimand by the Supreme Court over the withdrawal of four per cent reservation quota for Muslims, the ruling BJP is upbeat about the turn of events.
The Supreme Court has recently observed that the ruling BJP government's decision to withdraw four per cent reservation under the OBC category for Muslims appears to be "based on fallacious assumptions" and "was on a shaky foundation".
The reservation quota has been increased for the influential Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities by two per cent each.
The Muslim community has been brought under the 10 per cent reservation provided for the economically weaker sections (EWS).
The ruling BJP government has announced new reservation along with internal reservation for SC/ST groups just before the end of its term. The opposition parties criticised the BJP for the hasty decision on revision of reservation structure.
State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar has openly challenged that it is a matter of days and when his party comes to power after elections, the revision of reservation would be withdrawn.
The opposition made it a major issue and slammed the BJP that the saffron party has insulted the Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities by providing the reservation of Muslims to them.
Shivakumar had questioned that had the Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities asked to withdraw the reservation of Muslims to increase their quota?
He alleged that it is being done as part of its policy of creating hatred between communities.
Sources in the state BJP unit said that the message has been passed on to the Hindus with the decision being made on withdrawal of reservation for Muslims.
The attacks on the BJP will only polarise the Hindu votes for the party, they added.
Former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa had earlier said that by shifting the four per cent reservation, there was no harm done to the Muslim community.
"Muslims have been brought under the EWS quota. There should not be any misunderstanding," he added.
Yediyurappa also said that as it was not possible to provide reservation on the basis of religion, they (Muslims) are brought under the EWS quota.
The Central government is implementing "pro-poor" and "pro-farmer" schemes. If there are any differences they (Muslims) will be convinced, he added.
The Karnataka government has announced new reservation quota after the last cabinet meeting. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had announced a reservation of seven per cent to Lingayats, six per cent to Vokkaligas, six per cent for SC (Left), 5.5 per cent for SC (Right), one per cent for Bhovi, Banjaras and others.
Bommai had defended his government's decision that "the religious minorities do not have reservation quota in seven states". The decision has been taken to allot reservation for Muslims under the EWS quota.
He also added that the demand for a hike in the reservation had been pending for the last 30 years but the Congress did not do anything but made false promises. They had thought it would not be possible for the BJP to do it.
"We showed our commitment by getting a report, got the study done, constituted a cabinet sub-committee, and took a bold decision as per law."
Centre to invest Rs 1,000 crore for waterways in northeast: Sarbananda Sonowal
Sonowal said, “As per the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are developing robust waterway infrastructure in Assam and the Northeast with projects worth Rs 1,000 crore on the anvil, targeted for completion by 2026.”
Rafale friendship takes flight: French Senate delegation backs India in fight against terror
The Rafale fighter jets supplied by France are not just cutting-edge defence platforms — they now stand as soaring symbols of a time-tested friendship and strategic trust between India and France, New Delhi told a visiting delegation of the French Senate on Tuesday.
PM Modi to German Chancellor: Both countries stand united in fight against terrorism
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a telephone conversation with Friedrich Merz on Tuesday evening and congratulated him on assuming office as the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.
‘Asking a thief to probe his own crime’: FS Misri slams Pakistan’s joint investigation call during MP briefing on terror outreach
In a bold diplomatic initiative following ‘Operation Sindoor’, India has rolled out an unprecedented global campaign to expose Pakistan’s direct and indirect links to terrorism.
From Tokyo to Washington: Operation Sindoor delegations, tour dates revealed
In the wake of Operation Sindoor, a decisive military operation targeting terror launchpads across the Line of Control, the Indian government has launched an unprecedented global diplomatic offensive.
Beaten and humiliated in Operation Sindoor, Pakistan promotes Army Chief Asim Munir to Field Marshal for 'securing country'
In an unprecedented move after India's hard-hitting Operation Sindoor targetting the terror infrastructure deep inside Pakistan post Pahalgam massacre, the Pakistan Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday announced its decision to promote the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal.
Heritage hotel in Pushpabanta Palace to boost tourism; open arena of job for youths: CM Dr Manik Saha
To further boost tourism in Tripura, the department of tourism on Tuesday signed a lease agreement with the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) for establishment of a five star category hotel in the historic Pushpabanta Palace here at Agartala Circuit House.
IMD issues orange alert for North, Unakoti; Districts record highest rainfall
The Meteorological Centre in Agartala has issued an orange alert for North Tripura and Unakoti districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall between May 21 and May 25. A yellow alert has been issued for the rest of Tripura during the same period.