Reacting to the reservation of Muslims in contracts, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified on Wednesday that no decision has yet been taken by the state government to grant reservations for giving contracts.
Reacting to the criticism of BJP on reservation for Muslims in the government contracts, Siddaramaiah said here in Mysuru that just like the reservations for backward classes, SCs and STs, the demand is high to extend the same for Muslims also.
However, he clarified that no decision has been taken yet on this.
He further stated that the BJP is interested only in communal conflicts, but it never shows interest in harmony and brotherhood in society.
Talking about giving reservations to Muslims in the awarding of contracts, Home Minister G Parameshwara said on Wednesday in Bengaluru: "It is a wrong perception. Few leaders and legislators have made a representation to the Chief Minister demanding 4 per cent reservation on the lines of reservation to SCs and STs.".
The Chief Minister has sent the proposal for verification to the concerned department and no decision has been made. The decision in this regard will have to be made in the cabinet and a proposal has to be sent in this regard by the concerned department. When all the procedures are done and the government releases orders, the proposal will be implemented. The order won't be made after submission of a mere proposal,\" Parameshwara stated.
Reacting to BJP's criticism over the Waqf row, Parameshwara said: "It shows their culture. We do not have the necessity to appease. Our party always helps people who are remaining poor over the years. It is also the duty of any government to help those people.".
"Why reservation was given to SCs and STs? If the government gives certain programmes to Muslims, it is wrong to brand it as an act of appeasement. The BJP will use a particular kind of language and words from the beginning while reacting to the issue. This is not new," he maintained.
Such reports of an alleged proposal to provide reservation in the allotment of contracts by the Karnataka government to Muslims had stirred a controversy ahead of the crucial bypolls to three Assembly segments in the state. However, Chief Minister's Office contradicted that news.
Sources claimed that immediately after the petition, Siddaramaiah has issued directions to the Additional Chief Secretary of the Finance Department to authenticate it and submit it to him.
In fact, according to sources, the Finance Department authenticated the petition, besides that Siddaramaiah had also agreed upon the proposal.
Sources claimed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has agreed for a 4% reservation for Muslims in government contracts under Category 2B in constructions of not more than Rs 1 crore.
The state government is to prepare an amendment to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act to facilitate the reservation for Muslims, sources said.
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