Controversy Erupts Over Karnataka Deputy CM's Remarks on Muslim Quota

The BJP has accused the Congress of a hidden agenda to change the Constitution for Muslim reservations following Deputy CM D K Shivakumar's comments. Although Shivakumar denies advocating constitutional changes, the issue has sparked allegations of vote bank politics and religious favoritism.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday accused Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar of promoting a Congress agenda to alter the Constitution in favor of Muslim reservation. This followed remarks made by Shivakumar, which he later claimed were misrepresented.

In a press conference held at the BJP headquarters, former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad challenged Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Sonia Gandhi to publicly confirm they have no intention of changing the Constitution. Prasad suggested that Shivakumar's comments were indicative of a broader political strategy.

Prasad also criticized the Karnataka government's decision to grant four percent reservation to Muslims and its budget commitments to the minority group, questioning the extent of Congress's reliance on Muslim votes. He argued these moves undermine the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Other Backward Classes' rights, drawing strong condemnation from the BJP.

(With inputs from agencies.)