Karnataka Hikes Housing Quota for Minorities to 15%, BJP Slams Move as “Appeasement Politics”

The Karnataka government has raised the housing quota for minority communities from 10% to 15%, triggering sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The new provision will apply to housing schemes implemented by the state’s Housing Department in both rural and urban areas. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil defended the move, stating that it aims to support houseless minorities including Muslims, Christians, Jains, and Buddhists, based on a central directive to assess their housing needs.

BJP leaders strongly opposed the decision, accusing the ruling Congress of practicing “appeasement politics.” State BJP President Vijayendra Yediyurappa called the move “unconstitutional,” alleging that it undermines SC, ST, and OBC rights for vote-bank gains. BJP MP Jagadish Shettar and party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla further escalated the criticism, comparing the Congress to the Muslim League and claiming the policy discriminates against Hindus and violates constitutional principles.

In response, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar clarified that the new quota does not impact existing allocations for SCs, STs, and OBCs, and applies only to surplus housing units. He noted that many houses built by the government remain vacant due to low demand from general categories, while poor minority families have expressed interest. Despite the clarification, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has warned that the BJP will challenge the decision in court, citing a Supreme Court ruling that prohibits religion-based quotas.

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