BJP Warns Congress Over Kannadigas Reservation Bill

The BJP in Karnataka has cautioned the Congress government to brace for public anger if the Kannadigas reservation bill is not tabled in the Legislative session. The bill, intended for job reservations in the private sector for locals, was delayed after industry uproar. BJP criticized the government for its inconsistent stance.

The opposition BJP in Karnataka on Thursday warned the Congress government that it should be prepared for public backlash if it fails to introduce the bill mandating reservations for Kannadigas in the private sector during the ongoing Legislative session.

The BJP criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for reversing his stance on the Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories and Other Establishments Bill, 2024. The bill, which was approved in a Cabinet meeting on Monday, was put on hold Wednesday night following opposition from the industry.

On Wednesday, Siddaramaiah clarified that the draft bill, aimed at offering reservations for Kannadigas in private sector jobs, is still under preparation. He assured that a comprehensive discussion would take place in the next Cabinet meeting to finalize the decision.

BJP state president B Y Vijayendra voiced his displeasure in a post on 'X', questioning the government's motives and calling for the immediate presentation of the job reservation bill. He stressed that the bill is a beacon of hope for many unemployed Kannadigas in rural areas who face job deprivation despite having qualifications.

Vijayendra condemned the decision to delay the bill as 'cowardly', accusing the government of insulting Kannadigas and succumbing to anti-Karnataka lobbies. He suggested that political pressures within the INDI Alliance might have influenced the chief minister's decision.

The BJP leader warned that the people of Karnataka would not forgive Congress leaders if the government continues to withhold the 'pro-Kannada bill', which could also be an attempt to distract from other scandals shaking the state.

(With inputs from agencies.)