Karnataka Reservation Controversy Sparks Political Clash

The Karnataka government's decision to allocate a 4% reservation for minorities in public contracts has ignited a political feud. BJP's Mayank Nayak criticized the move as 'politics of religion,' while Congress claims the BJP is masking corruption. This controversy continues to stir debates over constitutional interpretations.

The recent decision by the Karnataka government to grant a 4% reservation to minorities in public contracts has stirred a political storm. BJP MP Mayank Nayak led the charge, attacking the Congress for engaging in 'politics of religion' and questioning the constitutional justification of allocating reservations based on religion.

Nayak's comments were buoyed by Union Minister JP Nadda's strong opposition in the Rajya Sabha, emphasizing that reservations should not be determined by religious affiliations. In a counter-offensive, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP of crafting laws based on religion and asserted that the reservation policy mirrors a long-standing practice dating back to 1994.

Kharge further alleged that the BJP's focus on this issue is a diversion tactic to overshadow its own corruption cases. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also defended the Congress's measures, suggesting that BJP is distorting his remarks on constitutional provisions as part of the political tussle.

(With inputs from agencies.)