A new political confrontation is brewing between the government and Raj Bhavan over the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which proposes a 4% reservation for Muslims in government contracts. Although the government has yet to forward the bill to Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot for approval, Raj Bhavan has already begun legal consultations. This follows a petition from the opposition BJP-JD(S) alliance, urging the governor to reject the bill.

Officials have confirmed that the bill, which both Houses of the legislature approved on March 21, is now waiting for the signature of legislative council chairman Basavaraj Horatti. An official stated, "He is expected to send it any moment, and the government is likely to forward it to the governor by Tuesday."

The BJP is strongly opposing a bill that they believe violates the Constitution by providing religion-based quotas. They're making this a central issue in their upcoming Janakrosha Yatre, a month-long protest starting on April 7 in Mysuru. After a meeting to finalise the protest strategy, BJP state president BY Vijayendra stated, “This Congress government has been blatant in formulating policies that favour the Muslim community.” He further added, “The budget was not only aimed at appealing to its minority vote bank but excludes majority Hindus. While our party has resisted this at the national level, we will take the fight to every nook and corner of the state.” In response, HK Patil, the law and parliamentary affairs minister, defended the bill, stating, "BJP is trying to make it a case of religion. But reservation for Muslims is not based on religion; it is under the OBC category."

Muslims in Karnataka were previously classified under the OBC category 2B and had been receiving a 4% reservation for decades. However, the former BJP government under Basavaraj Bommai abolished this quota and redistributed it to the Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities. The Supreme Court intervened, putting a hold on the BJP government's decision and restoring the reservation.

In his budget speech, CM Siddaramaiah reintroduced the 4% reservation for Muslims in civil contracts, which drew strong criticism from the BJP, even raising the issue in Parliament. The controversy grew further after Deputy CM DK Shivakumar allegedly claimed that the government would amend the Constitution to secure the Muslim quota. However, Shivakumar later denied making such a statement.

The KTPP (Amendment) Bill was one of 28 legislations passed during the budget session, but it was approved amid protests over honeytrap allegations involving minister KN Rajanna. While the government has not yet sent 15 of the 28 bills to the governor for approval, it is taking extra precautions to ensure the KTPP (Amendment) Bill holds up under legal review. A closed source of Raj Bhavan stated, "While the govt is yet to submit the bill, the governor will take a call after thorough deliberations with the legal team."