PM Modi Accuses Congress of Reducing OBC Quota in Karnataka for Muslims

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticized the Congress party for allegedly reducing the reservation quota for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in Karnataka by categorizing Muslims under the same bracket. In an interview on April 25, 2024, Modi claimed that the Congress plans to replicate this approach across the country if voted to power.

Modi dubbed the Congress as the "biggest enemy of the OBCs," stating that the party had previously provided reservation based on religion, which is not allowed under the Indian Constitution. He accused the Congress of adopting an "illegal trick" in Karnataka by putting all Muslim castes along with the OBCs, thereby "snatching a big chunk of reservation" from the OBC community.

"The Congress is adopting various tactics to fulfill its dangerous resolution of providing reservation on the basis of religion, which goes against the principles of the Constitution and the views of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar," Modi asserted.

The Prime Minister's remarks come in the backdrop of the ongoing election campaign in Karnataka, where the Congress has been defending its decision to provide a 4% reservation for Muslims under the backward classes category. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called Modi's allegations a "blatant lie," stating that the reservation has been in place for the past three decades based on the reports of Backward Classes Commissions.

Why this matters: The controversy over reservations for Muslims in Karnataka has become a key issue in the state's election campaign. It also highlights the broader debate over religion-based quotas and their constitutionality in India.

The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) has also red-flagged the Karnataka government's move, stating that such blanket categorization dilutes the principles of social justice. Modi further criticized Congress leader Sam Pitroda's comments on inheritance tax, accusing the party of trying to take away public wealth and strengthen its vote bank by snatching away people's property and assets.

In response to Modi's allegations, Siddaramaiah challenged the Prime Minister to substantiate his claims with evidence or apologize to the nation. He pointed out that the BJP government's claim of increasing reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Karnataka was not approved by the Union government.

As voters in 89 parliamentary constituencies across 13 states and union territories prepare to cast their ballots in the second phase of the general elections on April 26, the BJP believes that Modi's aggressive stance against the Opposition will help rally the Dalit, OBC, and tribal communities behind the party under its broad Hindutva umbrella.

Key Takeaways

• PM Modi accuses Congress of reducing OBC quota in Karnataka by categorizing Muslims as OBCs.
• Congress defends the 4% Muslim reservation as per Backward Classes Commission reports.
• NCBC red-flagged the move, stating it dilutes social justice principles.
• Modi criticizes Congress leader Sam Pitroda's comments on inheritance tax.
• BJP aims to rally Dalit, OBC, and tribal communities under its Hindutva umbrella.