The ruling Congress government in Karnataka has faced severe criticism from the opposition parties for its policy of appeasing Muslims. Particularly in the wake of the waqf land and quota disputes, Siddaramaiah’s government has been accused of bias in its policies towards Muslims. At the same time, this move by the Siddaramaiah government is seen as an attempt at political “damage control”. The Siddaramaiah government has decided to provide financial assistance of Rs 5,000 to every pilgrim from the state traveling to Jammu and Kashmir for darshan of Vaishno Devi.
Decided to protect Hindu temples in state
Not only this, the Karnataka government has also decided to protect the properties of state-run Hindu temples, remove any encroachments and provide financial assistance for their maintenance. The government has also decided to put up signboards regarding various mujrai schemes (grants for religious or social purposes) in state-run temples. In addition to this, a clear statement board will be put in place to ensure that cash donations to the temple can only be used for that temple.
Other pilgrimage plans are already underway
The decisions were taken at a meeting of the Rajya Dharmika Parishad chaired by Karnataka Mujarai Minister Ramalinga Reddy. The Karnataka government has provided financial assistance to pilgrims traveling to Kashgar, Gaya and other pilgrimage sites in southern India.
Reservation advice for Muslims?
Apart from this, sources were quoted as saying that the state government has also proposed reservation for Muslims in public construction projects. The reservation will be similar to that given to scheduled castes and tribal communities. Sources said the proposal is applicable for construction works worth up to Rs 1 crore.
Previously, the state government had given 24% quota in government contracts to scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and some backward castes. Through these steps, the Karnataka government is trying to send a religiously neutral political message to the state, while the opposition sees it as vote bank politics.
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