BJP's Ravi Shankar Prasad Accuses Congress of 'Muslim Appeasement' in Karnataka

BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad criticizes Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Congress for alleged 'Muslim appeasement' and constitutional alterations. Shivakumar rebuts, claiming misquotation and promises legal action. The controversy arises over Karnataka's minority reservation policy and alleged remarks on constitutional changes.

In a fierce political exchange, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad accused Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and the Congress party of 'Muslim appeasement' under the pretense of constitutional changes. During a press briefing, Prasad highlighted Shivakumar's comments on the four per cent minority reservation policy in Karnataka, questioning its implications on the Constitution.

Prasad quoted, 'Now, he claims that he is being misquoted... Religion-based reservation is not permissible in our Constitution... Where will this Muslim appeasement politics go?' His remarks also extended to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, critiquing a shift in party tactics aimed at electoral gains.

In response, Deputy CM Shivakumar rebuffed the allegations, stressing his words were taken out of context. Announcing legal action, Shivakumar stated, 'I will take a breach of privilege on this... They are peddling fake news.' The contentious issue has intensified debates over the Karnataka government's recent procurement amendments, stirring statewide political tension.

(With inputs from agencies.)