Karnataka's Draft Bill on Private Sector Quotas Questioned Amid Political Tensions

The Karnataka government's draft bill proposing quotas for Kannadigas in the private sector has been temporarily put on hold. BJP leaders termed it as a diversion tactic by the Congress government. Ministers from Karnataka defended their stand, stating the bill is under review and will be revisited soon.

After the Karnataka government placed a draft bill on quotas for Kannadigas in the private sector on hold, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader CT Ravi criticized it as "natakbaazi," accusing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Congress government of diverting attention from critical issues. The bill aimed to enforce 50 percent reservation for administrative posts and 75 percent for non-administrative positions for Kannadigas in private sector organizations, industries, and enterprises.

"This is all 'natakbaazi' to divert the issue. The atmosphere is against the CM and Congress government. To divert people from the issue, they are doing this," stated BJP leader CR Kesavan. Kesavan also highlighted the contradictory actions of Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, who first tweeted about the cabinet's approval of the job quota, only to delete it later, adding to the confusion.

In defense, Karnataka Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao remarked that the government's intention was solely for the benefit of local people. Karnataka Minister G Parameshwara emphasized the need for further consultations. Minister Priyank Kharge assured the government's commitment to providing more local jobs. CM Siddaramaiah announced that the bill will be revisited in the coming days through a comprehensive discussion in the next cabinet meeting.

(With inputs from agencies.)