Debate over Muslim quota resurfaces as origins traced to past governments.
As PM Modi condemned Congress over the Muslim quota in the Karnataka OBC list, records reveal the provision was first introduced in 1995 under JD(S) chief HD Deve Gowda. Currently, in the NDA alliance, Deve Gowda has granted four percent reservation for Muslims, citing the Chinnappa Reddy Commission report within the 50 percent ceiling as directed by the top court then.
Hitting back, CM Siddaramaiah called the BJP’s charge of depriving other OBCs “blatantly false.” He questioned whether Deve Gowda, who took the call, stood by his move or surrendered to Modi by altering his past stand.
Earlier, the Veerappa Moily-led Congress government, in 1994, announced a six percent sub-quota for minorities within Category 2, as advised by the Reddy panel.
However, an interim SC order before implementation capped total reservations amid a legal challenge. Deve Gowda, who succeeded Moily as CM, gave Muslims a four percent portion with amendments respecting the court directive in February 1995.
As political mudslinging intensifies, past records scrutinize the convoluted chronology of the quota move. Coalition leaders’ clarification over the continuation of their one-time position could offer meaningful insight into the debate.
