Pro-Kannada Groups Warn Companies, Urge State Government to Pass Reservation Bill by Monday

Bengaluru: Pro-Kannada groups have issued stern warnings to companies and the state government over the reservation bill mandating 100% job reservation for locals in private firms. Leaders of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KaRaVe), Narayana Gowda and Praveen Shetty, have demanded compliance from corporates and urged the government not to succumb to corporate pressure.

KaRaVe has intensified its protest by initiating a fasting satyagraha. 'KaRaVe' President Narayana Gowda condemned the decision to hold the bill that provided reservation for Kannadigas, stating, "It was wrong to block the bill that provided reservation for Kannadigas. We are happy that the bill is being presented and congratulated the CM."

Gowda criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for stepping back and called on the government to make a definitive decision. "The government should take a decision and pass the bill by Monday. It should be approved by the cabinet again immediately," he asserted.

The leaders warned that failure to pass the bill would result in a hunger strike and a fierce struggle, asserting their commitment to ensuring the bill's enactment.

Karnataka Government's U-Turn

Last night, the Karnataka government put the reservation bill on hold amid fierce criticism from business leaders and tech tycoons. The Karnataka State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories and Other Establishments Bill, 2024 was cleared by the state Cabinet on Monday and was expected to be tabled in the Assembly on Thursday. 

"The bill approved by the Cabinet to provide reservation for Kannadigas in private sector organisations, industries and enterprises has been temporarily put on hold. This will be revisited and decided in the coming days," a statement issued by the Office of the Chief Minister said.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also posted on X: “The bill intended to implement reservation for Kannadigas in private sector institutions, industries and enterprises is still in the preparation stage. A final decision will be taken after comprehensive discussion in the next cabinet meeting.”