VP questions DKS suggestion for Constitution change, he denies

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday questioned suggestions that the Karnataka government is mulling four per cent reservation for Muslims, saying it is contrary to constitutional provisions. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar had recently suggested making changes to the Constitution to facilitate reservation to Muslims in government contracts. The issue resonated in Lok Sabha on Monday with the ruling BJP questioning the idea and seeking Shivakumar's removal. Addressing a group of Rajya Sabha interns in New Delhi and without naming Karnataka, Dhankhar said "one state" has indicated that it will make reservation for "contracts that is in the domain of business to a particular community, a religious denomination" 
"Now look at the constitutional provisions. Does our Constitution allow any reservation
on religious considerations? Find out what B R Ambedkar had said, and you will be enlightened that there can be no reservation on religious considerations," the vice president, also chairperson of Rajya Sabha, said. Dhankhar said the Constitution provides for a hand-holding mechanism, an affirmative mechanism for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and socially and educationally backward classes.He said the Constitution was amended and economic criterion was made a basis, with the courts later upholding it.

Recently, in one state, there is an indication of reservations in contracts to a particular community, a religious denomination.

Look at the constitutional provisions. Does our Constitution allow any reservation on religious considerations?

Find out what Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had… pic.twitter.com/4FJCxEkabG

— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) March 24, 2025

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has refuted allegations that he advocated for changing the Constitution, a claim that has drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The senior Congress leader accused the BJP of deliberately distorting his remarks, asserting that he never suggested amending the Constitution. Addressing the media in Bengaluru, Shivakumar defended his statement, emphasizing his long-standing experience in politics. "I have been a legislator for 36 years and am well aware of my responsibilities. I possess basic common sense and would never propose altering the Constitution. My remarks have been taken out of context. I merely pointed out that several changes occur over time due to judicial rulings. Nowhere did I suggest that we intend to modify the Constitution," he clarified. Shivakumar also said that his words had been deliberately distorted." He further stated that Congress, being a national party, fully respects the Constitution and understands its significance.
The controversy erupted after a video, showing Shivakumar speaking at an event, was shared by BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla. In the clip, Shivakumar is heard discussing the issue of reservations and stating that “a good day will come, a lot of changes will be there the Constitution will be changing.” BJP leaders seized upon this remark, alleging that the Congress is plotting to alter the Constitution to grant religion-based reservations, specifically for Muslims.JP MP Tejasvi Surya accused the Congress of attempting to implement the agenda of Jinnah's Muslim League and disregarding Dr. BR Ambedkar's legacy.

(State Correspondent)