Union Minister Prahlad Joshi Criticizes Karnataka Assembly’s Rejection of Waqf (Amendment) Bill and 4% Reservation Decision

  • March 20, 2025, 3:20 p.m.

Union Minister Prahlad Joshi has strongly condemned the Karnataka Assembly's rejection of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the ongoing controversy surrounding the 4% reservation for Muslims, accusing the state government of indulging in “appeasement politics.” Joshi's remarks came after the Assembly’s decision, which has sparked a heated political debate.

The Union Minister, known for his outspoken views, stated, "This is the politics of appeasement, and even in the Supreme Court, under Article 15 Clause 1, it was said that you cannot give reservation on the basis of religion." Joshi's comments refer to the constitutional provision that prohibits any form of discrimination based on religion when it comes to reservations.

Joshi also pointed to alleged instances of land-related exploitation, adding, "What is happening in Waqf in Karnataka? A farmer adjacent to my constituency committed suicide because land was grabbed in the name of the Waqf Board, and standing crops were bulldozed. There are many such incidents." The Minister's statement highlights concerns over land disputes linked to the Waqf Board, which manages properties meant for religious and charitable purposes.

In a sharp critique of the Congress-led Karnataka government, Joshi blamed the leadership of Rahul Gandhi for the alleged appeasement practices, saying, "This government, the Congress government under Rahul Gandhi's leadership, is completely involved in appeasement. Karnataka has become a laboratory of appeasement politics." His statement underscores the growing political tensions in the state, as the ruling Congress party faces mounting allegations of prioritizing religious appeasement over the welfare of other communities.

Joshi warned that the political direction in Karnataka would have consequences, asserting, "I want to warn them that this will not work, and we will raise this issue across the country." His remarks reflect the BJP’s broader national strategy to challenge what it perceives as divisive or preferential policies implemented by state governments led by opposition parties.

The rejection of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which aimed to strengthen the management of Waqf properties and make them more transparent, has further intensified the political standoff. Opponents of the Bill argue that it would empower the state to take greater control over religious properties, a move viewed with suspicion by religious communities and their leaders.

The 4% reservation issue also remains a flashpoint in Karnataka's political discourse. The decision to extend reservation benefits to Muslims has led to criticism from various quarters, especially from those who argue that religion should not be a criterion for caste-based reservations.

As tensions rise, the controversy is expected to dominate political discussions in Karnataka and across the country, with both the Congress and BJP trading barbs over the future of the state's governance and policies.

Author : Rajdhani Delhi Representative

Rajdhani delhi representative

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