BJP-Congress clash in RS over Constitution amendment row
New Delhi
The Rajya Sabha witnessed chaos as BJP MPs accused Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of advocating constitutional changes. The Congress strongly denied these allegations, calling them baseless.
Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge clarified, "This morning, the issue of altering the Constitution was raised by some members, including Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and supported by Leader of the House J.P. Nadda. However, I want to make it clear that the Karnataka minister never discussed any such alteration to the Constitution."
The debate intensified, causing the session to be adjourned until 2 pm. When proceedings resumed, Kharge countered, "It is not our ministers but those in power who keep proposing constitutional amendments." He also questioned BJP’s stance, citing RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s statements about constitutional changes.
In response, Nadda called Kharge’s claims "an outright lie," accusing Congress of hypocrisy. He pointed to Karnataka’s 4% reservation for Muslim contractors and past actions in Telangana as examples of Congress violating constitutional norms.
Rijiju also raised concerns over Congress leaders allegedly discussing constitutional amendments in Karnataka. However, Kharge firmly rejected these claims, stating, "No one can change the Constitution framed by Babasaheb Ambedkar."With both parties refusing to back down, the House erupted in slogans, forcing another adjournment.
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I have basic common sense: DKS
Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar refuted claims that he suggested amending the Constitution to accommodate a 4% Muslim reservation. He asserted that his words were misinterpreted and warned of filing a breach of privilege motion. "I never said we would change the Constitution," he clarified. Shivakumar insisted his statement referred to changes following judicial rulings. His remarks follow BJP’s protests in the Lok Sabha, which led to multiple adjournments over the controversy.
