The Karnataka government’s decision to raise reservation quotas for minority communities in housing schemes has faced sharp criticism from the BJP. The state BJP chief, Vijayendra Yediyurappa, called the move “unconstitutional” and accused the Congress party of playing vote-bank politics.
In a post on X, Yediyurappa said that the Congress government is using welfare policies to gain votes, which harms other communities like SCs, STs, and OBCs by taking away their chances.
He wrote, “Reservation based on religion is unconstitutional! The Congress in Karnataka is turning welfare into a way to win votes. First, they gave 4% quota in government contracts, and now they want 15% in housing schemes. Where will this appeasement stop? This is a dangerous attempt to make communal vote-bank politics normal. It not only takes away opportunities from SCs, STs, and OBCs but also sends a wrong message that merit and real backwardness don’t matter compared to religious appeasement.”
Yediyurappa urged Congress to read the Indian Constitution, reminding them that reservations are meant for those who are socially and educationally backward, not based on religion or voting patterns.
He added, “Under the cover of welfare, this government is pushing religion-based reservation, which goes against Dr. BR Ambedkar’s vision and the Constitution. This kind of politics won’t stand the test of the law or history. Karnataka deserves good governance, not divisive politics.”
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also condemned the decision, calling it unconstitutional and saying it reduces quotas for OBCs, STs, and poor people from general castes. He said the BJP will take the matter to court.
On Thursday, the Karnataka Cabinet approved increasing the quota for minorities in housing schemes from 10% to 15%. Minister HK Patil said this increase does not require new rules, and it will cover communities like Christians, Jains, and Buddhists.
