Bengaluru, Mar 15 (UNI) The Karnataka Cabinet, in its meeting on Friday, approved an amendment to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act, reserving 4pc of tenders for Muslim contractors.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, during the presentation of the state budget, announced this reservation under a newly introduced Category-II B, specifically for Muslim contractors.

The decision has sparked political controversy, with opposition parties accusing the Congress government of engaging in "appeasement politics." BJP leaders have criticised the move, arguing that it could divide society along religious lines and questioning its constitutionality.

This development marks a significant shift from the previous government's stance. In March 2023, the BJP-led administration had moved the 4 per cent OBC quota for Muslims under Category-II B to the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category, effectively removing the reservation benefits for Muslim contractors.

The newly approved amendment is expected to be tabled in the ongoing legislative session, with the government aiming to implement the reservation policy promptly.

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