'Congress' Muslim League-Jinnah Mindset’ BJP Castigates Karnataka Govt Over 4% Reservation For Muslim Contractors

The Karnataka government’s decision to introduce a 4% reservation for Muslim contractors has ignited a political debate, with BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla strongly opposing the move. He accused the Congress-led government of engaging in religious-based favoritism and alleged that this policy reflects a "Muslim League-Jinnah mindset."

#WATCH | Delhi | On Karnataka government clears 4% reservation for Muslim contractors, BJP Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla says, "This represents Congress' Muslim League-Jinnah mindset. Now even contracts will be given based on religious lines?... We always feel that the contract… pic.twitter.com/tmfeuQDiy4

— ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2025

Karnataka Government Clears 4% Reservation for Muslim Contractors, Sparks BJP Criticism

Poonawalla questioned the rationale behind awarding government contracts based on religion rather than merit. “We always feel that the contract of a road or a bridge should be given to the most competent contractor,” he stated, emphasizing that infrastructure projects should be handled by those best suited for the job rather than being influenced by religious quotas.

BJP’s Shehzad Poonawalla Slams Congress for ‘Muslim League-Jinnah Mindset’

He further criticized the Congress government’s policies, accusing it of prioritizing Muslim welfare over other communities. According to Poonawalla, SC, ST, and OBC groups are being sidelined as their share in reservations and government schemes is allegedly diverted toward the Muslim community. He remarked that Congress follows a "Muslims first, vote bank first" approach.

The BJP leader also took aim at Karnataka’s budget, referring to it as a "Jinnah budget." He pointed out various provisions, such as special security training for Muslims, Rs 50,000 financial aid for Muslim weddings, allowances for spiritual leaders, and funding for Waqf properties and scholarships in Muslim-majority areas. He claimed that such measures deepen religious divisions and promote appeasement politics.

Contrasting Congress’s approach, Poonawalla asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government ensures equal benefits across all communities without religious bias. He accused Congress of using reservations and government contracts as tools for political gain.

The controversy is expected to escalate, with BJP and Congress standing on opposing ends of the debate over reservations and community-based welfare policies in Karnataka.