Political Tensions Rise Over DK Shivakumar's Constitution Remarks

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi demanded an apology from the Congress and DK Shivakumar over his statement on the Constitution amid a growing controversy. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said Shivakumar's words were misconstrued. Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha faced disruptions over the escalating debate.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has called for an apology from the Congress party and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar regarding his remarks on the Constitution, which allegedly disclose a hidden agenda. Joshi accused the Congress of repeatedly disrespecting BR Ambedkar and frequently amending the Constitution. The statement has stirred political tensions nationwide.

Responding to Shivakumar's controversial statement, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara insisted that the Deputy Chief Minister's words were distorted. This comes amid heightened tensions over Shivakumar's purported comments on constitutional changes to facilitate 'religion-based' reservations in Karnataka.

DK Shivakumar countered the BJP's allegations by accusing them of misrepresenting his comments and disseminating false information. He announced plans to challenge these accusations by pursuing legal action and branded the BJP's claims as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.

The issue has led to adjournments in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, as the BJP sought to leverage Shivakumar's comments against the Congress. Key figures like Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Union Health Minister JP Nadda spearheaded the BJP's offensive in Parliament. Meanwhile, Congress MP Manickam Tagore filed a Notice of Question of Privilege against Rijiju, accusing him of misinformation.

Tagore claimed that Rijiju's remarks about DK Shivakumar in Parliament constituted a breach of privilege and contempt of the House. The notice addresses perceived violations of parliamentary procedure and business conduct in the Lok Sabha related to the March 24 statements.

The controversy has intensified following the Karnataka cabinet's approval of amendments to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act, aimed at granting a four percent reservation in government tenders to minority contractors, spotlighting the ongoing political dispute between the Congress and BJP. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)