Amid a raging controversy over a honey trap scandal, the Karnataka Legislative Assembly witnessed chaotic scenes on Friday as the state government passed a Bill granting a 4 per cent reservation for Muslims in public contracts. The opposition BJP strongly opposed the move, calling it “unconstitutional” and vowing to challenge it legally.
BJP leaders stormed the well of the House, chanting slogans against the ruling Congress government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The protest escalated as BJP MLAs climbed the Speaker’s seat, tore copies of the Bill, and hurled them at the Speaker.
Defending their protest, BJP MLA Bharath Shetty stated, “Instead of discussing the honey trap scam, the Chief Minister was busy presenting the 4 per cent Muslim Bill. That’s why we protested. Even government MLAs tore papers and threw books at us; we didn’t harm anybody.”
The Congress government justified the move as a step toward social justice and economic empowerment for minorities. As per the Bill, Muslim contractors will receive a 4 per cent quota in government tenders, allowing them better access to public contracts. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted that the measure aligns with the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
The controversy unfolded alongside the uproar over Cooperative Minister KN Rajanna’s revelation regarding a honey trap scandal. BJP leaders waved CDs in the Assembly, alleging blackmail and entrapment. The combination of the two issues led to an unruly session, intensifying political tensions in the state.