The Rajya Sabha witnessed chaotic scenes and protests as BJP leaders demanded an explanation from Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge regarding the party’s stance on Muslim reservation. The uproar stemmed from Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s remarks on a four percent reservation for minorities in state contracts. The disruption forced the session to be adjourned till 2 PM.
The controversy erupted after DK Shivakumar, at an event, purportedly stated that the “Constitution will be changing” in the context of muslim reservation.
Reacting to this, BJP MP Kiren Rijiju strongly criticized the Congress, stating, “A responsible Congress leader has said they will change the Constitution to provide reservations for Muslims. This is an assault on Ambedkar’s Constitution and cannot be taken lightly.”
Rijiju further demanded Shivakumar’s resignation, alleging that Congress was attempting to divide the country.
BJP’s leader in Rajya Sabha, JP Nadda, also took aim at the Congress, arguing that the Constitution explicitly prohibits religion-based reservations. He accused Congress of violating constitutional principles and warned that such proposals could set a dangerous precedent.
Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge dismissed the allegations, asserting that nobody can change Ambedkar’s Constitution and accused the BJP of misleading the public.
“To protect the Constitution, we conducted Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. BJP, on the other hand, is engaged in dividing India,” Kharge alleged.
Speaking to news agency ANI, BJP leader Sambit Patra escalated the attack, stating that Congress was attempting to introduce Muslim reservations against the wishes of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
He compared Shivakumar’s move to Jawaharlal Nehru’s role in the partition of India, claiming that Congress was pursuing divisive politics.
Following mounting criticism for his purported remark on Constitution, Congress leader DK Shivakumar strongly denied the allegations. He even went further and accused the BJP of misrepresenting his remarks.
“Where have I ever said I will change the Constitution? We are here to protect it,” he asserted, dismissing BJP’s claims as attempts to divert attention from real issues.
Strikingly, the Karnataka Cabinet had earlier approved an amendment to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act, placating a four percent reservation in tenders for minority contractors. The decision, taken on March 14, continues to fuel the ongoing political debate.
