By The Sampadak Express
Senior Congress leader and Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday strongly refuted claims that he had suggested changing the Constitution to provide four per cent reservation for Muslims in the state. He termed the reports as a misquote and warned that he would move a breach of privilege motion in the matter.
Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar denied making any such statements and expressed frustration over the ongoing misrepresentation of his words. “I am a sensible senior politician with 36 years of experience in the Assembly. I have basic common sense. I have never said that we will change the Constitution,” he asserted. He further clarified that his comments were not about altering the Constitution but were in response to changes expected due to upcoming judgments. “I casually said that there will be changes after various judgments, but the reservation given is in line with the quota for backward classes. I have never said we will change the Constitution,” he emphasized.
Shivakumar categorically stated that the reports quoting him were incorrect. “What they are quoting is wrong. They are misquoting me. I am categorically saying this. I will take the breach of privilege motion on this. I will fight this case. They are misquoting me,” he added.
His comments came in response to the uproar in the Lok Sabha, where the BJP raised repeated adjournments over the alleged remarks. The controversy began when Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju condemned the statements attributed to Shivakumar, calling them unacceptable. Rijiju, who was addressing the issue in the Lok Sabha, said that remarks made by someone holding a Constitutional post, suggesting a change to the Constitution to accommodate a four per cent reservation for Muslims, were highly inappropriate.
Rijiju took a strong stance, asking, “How can the House watch in silence? Congress should clarify. The person making such remarks should be sacked. You claim to give reservations to Muslims and then engage in theatrics by carrying a photograph of Babasaheb Ambedkar and a copy of the Constitution in your pocket.”
The controversy highlights the ongoing political tension surrounding the issue of reservations and the perceived misinterpretation of public figures’ statements. Shivakumar’s response is likely to intensify the political debate as the Congress party continues to clarify its stance on the matter.
This incident also brings attention to the broader issue of reservation policies in the country, with political figures from various parties frequently engaging in debates over their scope, implementation, and potential changes.
