Tharoor Slams Karnataka's Local Job Reservation Bill, Citing Constitutionality Issues

Shashi Tharoor, Congress Working Committee member and Lok Sabha MP, criticized Karnataka's proposed bill for job reservations for Kannadigas in the private sector, labeling it as unconstitutional and unwise. He praised the state government for withholding the bill, noting that similar moves in other states were previously struck down by the Supreme Court.

Lok Sabha MP and Congress Working Committee member Shashi Tharoor expressed strong disapproval of Karnataka's proposed bill mandating job reservations for Kannadigas in the private sector, calling it 'unconstitutional' and 'unwise' during a press interaction on Friday.

Tharoor, however, lauded the Siddaramaiah-led state government for its decision to withhold the contentious bill following widespread criticism from the industry sectors. He noted that the Supreme Court had previously rejected a similar bill attempted by Haryana's government.

The Karnataka state Cabinet had earlier approved the 'Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in Industries, Factories, and Other Establishments Bill, 2024,' but it has since been put on hold due to backlash from industry bodies and warnings from NASSCOM about potential business relocations.

(With inputs from agencies.)