New Delhi (India), March 25: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has demanded an apology from the Congress party and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar following his reported comments on the Constitution. Joshi accused the Congress of insulting BR Ambedkar and repeatedly amending the Constitution, urging them to apologize to the nation for Shivakumar’s statement.
Reacting to the controversy, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated that Shivakumar had clarified that his remarks were twisted. The statement came amid growing tensions over the alleged remarks made by Shivakumar regarding constitutional changes to introduce “religion-based” reservations in Karnataka.
Shivakumar, in turn, defended himself, accusing the BJP of misquoting him and spreading fake news. He announced his intention to take legal action, claiming a breach of privilege. “I will fight a case. They are misquoting me,” he stated, accusing the BJP of running a deliberate campaign to mislead the public.
The controversy also reached Parliament, where both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed adjournments as the BJP sought to corner the Congress on Shivakumar’s remarks. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Union Health Minister JP Nadda led the BJP’s response.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore filed a Notice of Question of Privilege against Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, accusing him of misleading the House on March 24. Tagore alleged that Rijiju had made false statements about Shivakumar, claiming it was a breach of privilege and contempt of the House.
The controversy arose after Karnataka’s state cabinet approved an amendment to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act, which includes a provision for a four percent reservation in tenders for minority contractors, further fueling the political debate.