Mon Mar 24 07:19:57 UTC 2025: ## Rajya Sabha in Uproar Over Karnataka Minister’s Remarks on Constitution
**New Delhi, March 24, 2025** – The Rajya Sabha was thrown into chaos today following remarks by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar regarding the Constitution. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju accused Shivakumar of suggesting the Constitution would be changed to provide reservations for Muslims, demanding an explanation from Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge.
Rijiju called Shivakumar’s statement “extremely serious,” asserting that it constituted an assault on the Indian Constitution. He demanded a clear response from Kharge regarding the Congress party’s stance on the matter and even called for Shivakumar’s resignation.
Kharge, in response, vehemently denied any intention to alter the Constitution, emphasizing the Congress party’s commitment to protecting it, referencing the Bharat Jodo Yatra as evidence. He accused the BJP of attempting to “break India.”
Leader of the House J.P. Nadda further reinforced the sanctity of the Constitution, stating that reservations based on religion are unconstitutional. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar adjourned the House amidst the escalating uproar, which also surrounded the recently passed 4% reservation for minorities in Karnataka.
Shivakumar later clarified his comments, stating they were misinterpreted. He claimed his remarks, made at a Sunday event discussing the new reservation bill, were casual observations about potential future changes following various court judgments. He denied any intention to alter the Constitution and threatened legal action against those misquoting him.
The incident follows the Karnataka Cabinet’s approval of an amendment to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act, providing a 4% reservation in public contracts for minority contractors. The ensuing debate highlights the sensitive issue of reservations and its intersection with constitutional interpretations in India.
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