Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has strongly refuted allegations by the BJP that he suggested amending the Constitution to provide reservations for Muslims. Speaking to the press in Bengaluru, he expressed frustration over what he called a deliberate misrepresentation of his words.
“I have been in politics for 36 years. I understand the Constitution, and I respect it. I never said anything about changing it,” Shivakumar asserted. He explained that his comments were taken out of context and that he had only mentioned how legal frameworks evolve over time due to judicial rulings. “What they are quoting is entirely false. They are twisting my words,” he added.
His remarks came after a stormy session in Parliament, where BJP leaders, including Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, accused the Congress of planning to alter the Constitution to introduce religion-based reservations. The uproar led to repeated adjournments, with BJP MPs demanding answers from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.
Kharge firmly dismissed the BJP’s claims, stating that his party has always defended the Constitution and has no intention of altering its fundamental principles. “It is the BJP that is trying to divide the country. We will always protect the Constitution,” he said in the Rajya Sabha, as opposition members rallied in his support.
The issue of reservations has long been a contentious topic in Indian politics. While the Constitution prohibits reservations based solely on religion, several states have provided affirmative action to backward Muslim communities under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. Karnataka, under the Congress government, had reinstated a 4% OBC quota for Muslims that the previous BJP government had scrapped. The BJP has opposed this move, arguing that reservations should be based only on socio-economic criteria and not religious identity.
Shivakumar, known for his combative political style, warned that he would take legal action against those misrepresenting his statements. “This is not just about me; it is about maintaining the integrity of public discourse. If they continue to misquote me, I will fight this legally,” he declared.
The controversy underscores the deepening political divide as both parties prepare for upcoming elections. While the Congress accuses the BJP of using communal politics to divert attention from pressing economic and social issues, the BJP continues to position itself as the defender of constitutional values. With elections on the horizon, debates around reservations and constitutional amendments are likely to intensify, shaping the political narrative in Karnataka and beyond.
