• Source:JND
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AS THE countdown began for the upcoming Karnataka Assembly election 2023, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government's decision to scrap 4 per cent reservation for Muslims, has sparked a row in the southern state as the ruling party received a huge backlash from the Opposition.

The Karnataka government's decision to scrap the 4 per cent Muslim quota brought a sharp reaction from the Supreme Court of India also, which questioned the government order and termed the decision as "shaky and flawed".

What Is 4 Per Cent Muslim Qouta Row:

The row over the Muslim quota began after the state government on March 27, reclassified the definition of 'backward classes' for reservation excluding Muslims from eligibility. The BJP government decided to remove Muslims from the OBC list and replace them with the 10 per cent Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota. As per the government's decision, the 4 per cent reservation that Muslims received under the OBC list will be distributed to Vokkaligas and Lingayats.

BJP's Stand On Muslim Quota:

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the BJP government in Karnataka had put an end to the Congress-initiated 4 per cent Muslim reservation in the state. Defending the government's move, Shah said providing reservations on the basis of religion was against the Constitution.

Two days back, Amit Shah who was in Telangana, also asserted that BJP will scrap the Muslim quota if the party comes to power in the state. He made a statement during a public address in Ranga Reddy district.

Reaction From Opposition

The home minister's remark brought a sharp reaction from all India Majilis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi who hit back at Shah and said the saffron party has no vision for the state besides "anti-Muslim hate speech".

Earleir, Former Karnataka Chief Minister Veerappa Moily said that the 4 per cent reservation given to the Muslims in his regime was on a scientific basis and it was not on the basis of religion.

Supreme Court On Muslim Quota:

On April 25, the Supreme Court directed that the BJP ruling government's decision to scrap the 4 per cent quota for Muslims will not be implemented till May 9 after the state sought time to file its reply. However, the government has assured that now admission or appointment will take place till May 9.