The Parliament witnessed chaos on March 24 following Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s alleged remarks regarding the need to “change the Constitution” to provide reservation to Muslims. This remark came after the Karnataka Congress government approved a four percent reservation in government contracts for minorities, including Muslims.
The BJP was quick to demand clarification from the Congress, leading to a ruckus in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, where members from both parties exchanged accusations. The BJP vehemently opposed the Karnataka government’s decision, calling it unconstitutional. In response to a media query about whether the Constitution allows reservations based on religion, Shivakumar stated, “Yes, I agree. Let’s see what comes out of this. We have started something (reservation for minorities in government contracts). I know that everyone will go to the court. Let’s wait for some good day. Good day will come. Part of the changes are there.
Constitution will change, chair (power) will be changing. There are judgments that alter the constitution also.”
His remarks, suggesting possible constitutional changes, ignited a political storm. The BJP quickly seized the opportunity to corner Congress, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju demanding an explanation from Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on the party’s stance regarding Muslim reservations. Rijiju called the remarks an “assault on the Constitution,” emphasizing the seriousness of the issue.
However, D.K. Shivakumar strongly denied making such a statement. In a post on X, he rejected the BJP’s allegations, accusing them of spreading “brazen and blatant” lies to tarnish his and the Congress party’s image. He further clarified that he had never advocated for changes to the Constitution for religion-based reservations.
“I never said we are going to change the Constitution,” Shivakumar asserted, explaining that his statement was misquoted. “What they are quoting is wrong. They are miscarrying it. We are a national party—it is our party that brought the Constitution to this country,” he added.
In response, BJP leader CR Kesavan criticized Shivakumar’s reported comments, accusing the Congress of undermining guarantees for backward communities. The BJP raised the issue in Parliament, with Kiren Rijiju demanding that Congress clarify its position on reservations for Muslims.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge countered by emphasizing that the party’s position has always been to protect the Constitution, stating that nobody can alter the Constitution drafted by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. He reaffirmed Congress’s commitment to the reservation system and cited the Bharat Jodo Yatra as evidence of their efforts to safeguard the Constitution.
The ongoing political battle has further intensified the divide between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress, as both sides continue to spar over the sensitive issue of reservations and constitutional changes.
