25 Apr. 24: Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah has sharply responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent allegations regarding reservation policies in the state, challenging the Prime Minister to substantiate his claims with evidence or issue an apology to the nation.
PM Modi, during an election rally in Rajasthan’s Tonk, accused the Congress of attempting to extend reservation benefits based on religion, specifically alleging that the Congress government in Karnataka transferred reservation quotas meant for backward classes and Dalits to Muslims. Siddaramaiah vehemently refuted these assertions, denouncing them as “blatant lies” stemming from ignorance and desperation.
Siddaramaiah emphasized that constitutional reservations cannot be arbitrarily amended and require rigorous processes based on social and economic surveys. He highlighted the longstanding inclusion of Muslims in the 2B category for backward classes in Karnataka, established decades ago based on recommendations from Backward Classes Commissions.
Furthermore, Siddaramaiah criticized the Prime Minister for purportedly overlooking critical facts, including legal challenges faced by the BJP-led government in Karnataka regarding reservation modifications. He questioned PM Modi’s understanding of state policies and decisions, calling attention to discrepancies between BJP claims and official government statements.
In a direct challenge, Siddaramaiah requested former Prime Minister HD Devegowda’s opinion on the matter, highlighting the need for clarity amidst ongoing political debates.
This exchange underscores the intensity of political discourse during the elections, with significant implications for Karnataka and broader national debates on reservation policies.
