Mon Mar 24 09:44:26 UTC 2025: ## Rajya Sabha erupts over Karnataka’s Muslim reservation policy
**New Delhi:** The Rajya Sabha was thrown into disarray on Monday following a heated debate over the Karnataka Congress government’s decision to provide a 4% reservation for minorities in public contracts. The BJP accused the Congress of attempting to amend the Constitution to provide religious-based reservations, sparking a furious exchange between ministers and opposition leaders.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused senior Congress leaders in Karnataka of publicly stating their willingness to amend the Constitution to grant Muslim reservations. He cited statements allegedly made by the Deputy Chief Minister and the state Congress president, emphasizing the gravity of the situation given the constitutional positions held by these individuals. Rijiju questioned Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, demanding clarification on the party’s stance and accusing Congress of hypocrisy given their invocation of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s legacy.
Leader of the House Jagdeep Dhankhar joined the fray, alleging that the Congress’s policy violates the fundamental principle, established by Dr. Ambedkar, prohibiting reservations based on religion. He pointed to the Karnataka government’s 4% minority reservation policy as evidence of this alleged constitutional transgression.
Mallikarjun Kharge vehemently denied the BJP’s accusations, asserting the Congress’s unwavering commitment to upholding the Constitution. He stated that no one can alter the Constitution and challenged the BJP to provide proof of Congress’s intention to do so.
Despite Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar’s intervention urging verification of the claims, the heated debate continued, ultimately resulting in the adjournment of the House. The incident highlights the deep political divide surrounding the issue of reservation and the ongoing tensions between the BJP and the Congress.
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