The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Karnataka, has condemned the Siddaramaiah-led Congress Government’s approval of a bill on 14 March 2025 that reserves 4% of government contract works exclusively for Muslims under the 2B category.
“The Karnataka State Cabinet has amended the KTPP (Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements Act 1999-2000), allowing civil work contracts up to Rs. 2 crore and goods/services contracts up to Rs. 1 crore to have a 4% reservation solely for Muslims (2B). This reservation is purely based on religion (Islam), which is unacceptable,” the VHP declared.
In its press release, VHP called the move as “unconstitutional” and “politically motivated”. The VHP cited Article 15 of the Indian Constitution, which prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, caste, sex, or place of birth. “The Karnataka Government has approved this bill unconstitutionally, motivated by appeasement politics and vote bank considerations,” the VHP added.
The press release issued by VHP state President, Deepak Rajagopal, also referenced the 2005 Andhra Pradesh High Court ruling that struck down a similar 5% reservation for Muslims, deeming the blanket classification of the entire Muslim community as backward as “unscientific and unconstitutional.” The VHP noted that this verdict (CA No. 7513 / 2005 – State of Andhra Pradesh vs. B Archana Reddy) remains unchallenged by the Supreme Court to date.
“Is the Karnataka Government unaware of this?” the VHP questioned, accusing the state of ignoring judicial precedent when it comes to the Muslim community, even as it cites ongoing litigation to delay action on other internal reservations.
The VHP also highlighted a recent Supreme Court directive to the West Bengal Government on December 9, 2024, which reiterated that caste-based reservations must align with constitutional provisions.
To protest this move, the VHP announced district-wide demonstrations on April 8, 2025, and a major protest rally at Freedom Park, Bengaluru, on the same day. “We have already brought all these matters to the attention of the Hon’ble Governor through a formal memorandum and are hopeful of a positive response,” the statement said.
The press note was jointly released to the media by Deepak Rajagopal, President, VHP Karnataka Dakshin; Jagannath Shastriji, Secretary, Narayanānanda Saraswati Swami; Ramachandrarav, retired district judge; Prakash Shetty, joint coordinator, legal cell; Govardhan Singh, co-convenor, Bajrang Dal, Karnataka Dakshin; and Naveen Kumar.
Press statement:
Usurping rights of Hindu OBC and giving to Muslims not acceptable – VHP
Bengaluru. March 23, 2025. Vishva Hindu Parishad has severely criticized the decision of Karnataka Govt. to provide 4% reservation to Muslims in Govt contracts for supply and services,… pic.twitter.com/vr5L5ZhaM0
— Vishva Hindu Parishad -VHP (@VHPDigital) March 23, 2025
The VHP also stated that the reservation for Muslims has been granted by reducing the quota allocated to Hindu OBCs. This, they said, is nothing but a robbery of the rights of Hindu OBCs and an appeasement to Muslims, which is completely unacceptable to the VHP.
