The Parliament erupted in controversy on March 24 following claims that Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar suggested altering the Constitution to provide reservations for Muslims. However, Shivakumar categorically denied the allegations, accusing the BJP and its national president, J.P. Nadda, of deliberately misquoting him.
Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Shivakumar clarified his stance, asserting, “I am a sensible, senior politician, much more experienced than Nadda. I have been in the Assembly for 36 years and have basic common sense. I never said we are changing the Constitution. They are misquoting me. We are a national party, we know what the Constitution is. I will move a privilege motion on this. I will fight a case; they are misquoting me.”
The Root of the Controversy
The backlash stems from Shivakumar’s remarks at the News18 India Diamond States Summit 2025 on March 23, where he discussed the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The Bill, which reserves 4% of public works contracts for Muslim contractors, has sparked political tensions.
Defending the reservation, Shivakumar emphasized the Congress’ commitment to inclusive development. He pointed out that the BJP has often stereotyped Muslims, saying, “Many BJP leaders claim Muslims are only fit for fixing tyre punctures or selling meat. But it is our duty to uplift people from all sections of society. We have given them opportunities in education and employment, and we must uplift them economically as well.”
When questioned about the constitutional validity of religion-based reservations, he responded, “I agree, let us wait and watch. Let us see what the courts say. I know people will approach the court. Let us wait for the good day; good day will come. A lot of changes are there, and the Constitution will be changing. There are judgments which alter the Constitution also.”
BJP’s Fierce Backlash
BJP leaders immediately pounced on Shivakumar’s remarks, branding them as an attempt to divide the nation. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra launched a scathing attack, drawing parallels with historical events, saying, “Congress’ true face is revealed today. Nehru partitioned the nation for his ambition, and now the Gandhi family is doing the same.”
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and other BJP members also accused the Congress of undermining constitutional guarantees for backward classes.
Shivakumar Hits Back at ‘Frustrated’ BJP
In a fiery response on social media platform X, Shivakumar condemned the BJP’s “brazen and blatant lies”, stating, “I was not even present in the Assembly when the discussion on the Bill took place. I never said the Constitution would be amended for religion-based reservations.”
He reminded critics that it was the Congress, led by B.R. Ambedkar, that drafted the Constitution, while the BJP’s ideological parent organization opposed it. He further accused the BJP of planning to dismantle Congress’ ‘Five Guarantees’, which have provided ₹52,000 crore in benefits to the underprivileged.
“BJP is desperate to abolish these guarantees, but they will fail. Over my dead body will they take away these rights. I will fight to defend them,” he vowed.
Read more: Canada’s Next Election can take place on April 28: Sources
The Fate of the KTPP Bill
The Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (Amendment) Bill, 2025, passed on March 21 amid intense opposition from the BJP and JD(S). While the BJP argues that religion-based reservation lacks constitutional support, the Congress insists that the quota is based on socio-economic backwardness, not religion.
The 2-B category of Karnataka’s backward classes reservation matrix already includes Muslims, providing a legal framework for their inclusion. Despite the Bill’s passage in both Houses of the Legislature, the BJP has petitioned Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to withhold approval.
As the political storm rages on, all eyes are now on the judiciary’s stance on the Bill and the Congress’ defense of its controversial reservation policy.