Karnataka Assembly passes 4% Muslim quota bill
What's the story
The Karnataka Assembly has passed a controversial bill, providing four percent reservation to Muslims in government contracts. The bill was passed amid chaos over the honey trap case. BJP MLAs slammed the ruling Congress government for focusing on this bill instead of discussing the honey trap scam. Calling the bill "unconstitutional," they accused CM Siddaramaiah of being busy in presenting the Muslim quota bill instead of facing more pressing issues.
Political rift
BJP accuses Congress of appeasement politics
As the bill was passed, BJP leaders stormed the House well, chanting slogans. They were seen climbing up to the Speaker's seat and shredding the 4% quota Bill, flinging the papers at the Speaker. "Instead of discussing the honey trap scam, the Chief Minister was busy presenting the four per cent Muslim bill and hence we protested. The government MLAs also tore papers and threw books at us; we didn't harm anybody," BJP MLA Bharath Shetty said.
Legal action
BJP plans legal challenge against reservation bill
The ruling Congress party defended the reservation as a measure for social justice and economic opportunities for minorities. The BJP has announced that it would challenge the bill legally. It argued that the Constitution prohibits religious discrimination and urged the Centre to pass legislation to put an end to opposition parties' appeasement politics.
Scandal distraction
Assembly proceedings marred by honey trap scandal
The Karnataka Assembly was marred on Friday over Cooperative Minister KN Rajanna's comments on honey trapping. BJP leaders waved CDs, alleging they were used for blackmail and entrapment. BJP leader Annappa Swamy alleged that a woman befriended him on Facebook and later blackmailed him with their intimate tapes. On Thursday, Rajanna disclosed that 48 politicians, including key figures from various political parties, had also been victims of this elaborate political deception.