Karnataka Govt Tables Bill for 4% Muslim Quota in Public Contracts, BJP Opposes Move

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Tuesday introduced the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Legislative Assembly, proposing a 4% reservation for Muslims in public contracts. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil tabled the Bill following the Cabinet’s approval last week. The amendment reserves 4% of civil work contracts valued up to ₹2 crore and goods/services contracts up to ₹1 crore for Muslims under Category 2B of the Other Backward Classes (OBC). Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced this measure in the 2025-26 Budget to address unemployment and enhance participation of backward communities in government projects.

The move has sparked sharp political reactions, with the BJP branding the Bill an “unconstitutional misadventure” and vowing legal action to block its implementation. Currently, Karnataka reserves 24% of civil work contracts for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), 4% for OBC Category 1, and 15% for OBC Category 2A. The proposed amendment extends similar benefits to Muslims under Category 2B, prompting criticism from opposition leaders, who argue that religious-based reservations violate constitutional principles. However, the government maintains that the measure is essential for ensuring economic opportunities for marginalized groups in public procurement.