BJP demands Congress’ explanation on D.K. Shivakumar’s alleged remarks about changing Constitution-OxBig News Network

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju speaks in the Rajya Sabha during the Budget session of Parliament, on March 24, 2025.
| Photo Credit: PTI

A ruckus erupted within a few minutes of the proceedings in Rajya Sabha over Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s reported remarks about “changing the Constitution”. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju demanded an explanation from the Leader of Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge, regarding the Congress’ position on reservation for Muslims, whereas the Congress chief said that nobody can change the Constitution.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Kiren Rijiju termed Shivakumar’s statement “extremely serious.”

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“It is not our intention to disrupt this zero hour. Why I am standing here is because an extremely sensitive matter has come to our notice. One of the very responsible leaders of the Congress party, who is holding a constitutional post, have made a statement that they are going to change the Constitution to provide reservations in contract to the Muslim community. We cannot take this statement lightly. It is an extremely serious matter we cannot tolerate, and this an assault on the Constitution of India. I want a clear-cut reply from the Congress president (Mallikarjun Kharge) who is sitting in the House. He should make his position and tell the House as well as the people of India why the Congress party want to change the Constitution to provide reservations to Muslims,” Mr. Rijiju said.

Replying to Mr. Rijiju, Leader of Opposition and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said that his party took up the Bharat Jodo Yatra across the country to protect the Constitution.

Also Read | D.K. Shivakumar denies BJP’s claims that he spoke about changing Constitution to provide reservations to Muslims

“Nobody can change the Constitution drafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar. Nobody can finish reservation. To protect it, we did the Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. They (pointing at NDA MPs) break India,” Mr. Kharge said.

Mr. Rijiju further demanded Mr. Shivakumar’s resignation. “Raising the issue of Muslim reservation, Congress has sullied the prestige of Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution. If you have guts, demand the resignation of Deputy CM today itself,” Mr. Rijiju said.

Also Read | 4% quota for Muslims: Bill passed amid vociferous protests by BJP

Leader of the House J.P. Nadda added it is stated in the Constitution that reservation will not be given based on religion.

“No one can change the Constitution that evolved under the guidance of BR Ambedkar,” Mr. Nadda said.

Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar adjourned the House till 2 p.m. amid uproar over 4% reservation for minorities in Karnataka.

Amid the row over his remarks on the Constitution, Mr. Shivakumar said that he said casually that there will be so many changes after various judgements.

“I am a sensible, senior politician. I have been in the Assembly since the last 36 years. I have a basic common sense. I have said casually that there will be so many changes after various judgements. As per the quota of the backwards classes, reservation has been given. I have not said that we are going to change the Constitution. Whatever they are quoting is wrong. They are misquoting me. We are a national party…It is our party that brought the Constitution to this country…I will take breach of privilege on this. I will fight a case. They are misquoting me,” Mr. Shivakumar said.

This comes after Mr. Shivakumar, at an event on Sunday (March 23, 2025), talked about the Bill that provided 4% reservation to minorities and other backward classes in public contracts in the state in an event, purportedly said that the “Constitution will be changing.”

His remarks sparked a massive row and drew backlash from BJP leaders.

The Karnataka Cabinet approved an amendment to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act, which aims to provide a 4% reservation in tenders to minority contractors.