March 21, 2025: The Karnataka Legislative Assembly witnessed dramatic scenes on Friday as the state government passed a Bill granting a four per cent reservation for Muslims in public contracts. The move triggered a massive uproar from BJP MLAs, who termed it “unconstitutional” and pledged to challenge it in court.

As soon as the Bill was introduced, BJP legislators stormed the well of the House, raising slogans against the ruling Siddaramaiah government. The situation quickly escalated, with BJP members climbing onto the Speaker’s seat in protest. In a show of defiance, they tore copies of the Bill and threw them at the Speaker, further fueling tensions.

Defending their actions, BJP MLA Bharath Shetty claimed the protest was a reaction to the government’s misplaced priorities. He alleged that instead of addressing the ongoing honey trap scandal, the Chief Minister was focused on passing the Muslim quota Bill. He also accused Congress MLAs of engaging in similar behavior, stating that they too had torn papers and thrown books at the opposition, though he insisted that no one was harmed during the altercation.

The ruling Congress government, however, stood firm in its justification of the Bill. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah argued that the four per cent reservation in government tenders was aimed at ensuring social justice and economic opportunities for Muslims, a move that aligned with the government’s commitment to inclusive development and affirmative action. While Congress hailed it as a progressive step, BJP dismissed it as yet another instance of appeasement politics.

Adding to the already tense atmosphere in the Assembly was the honey trap scandal, which took center stage after Cooperative Minister KN Rajanna made shocking disclosures about the issue. BJP leaders held up CDs, suggesting they contained evidence of blackmail and political entrapment, intensifying the confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties.

Despite the protests and disruptions, the Congress government successfully passed the Muslim quota Bill, setting the stage for an impending legal and political battle. The opposition has vowed to take the matter to court, ensuring that the controversy surrounding the Bill is far from over.