D.K. Shivakumar, Karnataka’s Congress leader, has strongly rebutted the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) accusations that he proposed changes to the Indian Constitution to provide reservations for Muslims. The BJP’s allegations stemmed from remarks Shivakumar made in a recent public speech, which the party interpreted as a call for constitutional amendments to benefit Muslims.
Responding to these claims, Shivakumar clarified that his statement was about the need for all marginalized communities, including Muslims, to receive adequate support through existing affirmative action policies. He denied any suggestion that he had advocated for a change to the Constitution to specifically address Muslim reservations. The Congress leader condemned the BJP for distorting his words to stir communal tensions ahead of the state elections.
Shivakumar stressed that the Congress party stands firmly by the constitutional framework, and any changes to it would need to be thoroughly debated and legally processed. He accused the BJP of using such baseless allegations to divert attention from the real issues of governance and social welfare.
This exchange between Shivakumar and the BJP has only intensified the ongoing political battle between the two parties, particularly as Karnataka approaches its crucial state elections. The controversy around reservations, especially in the context of religious communities, remains a highly sensitive issue in the state’s political climate.
