D.K. Shivakumar denies BJP’s claims that he spoke about changing Constitution to provide reservations to Muslims

Karnataka Deputy CM denies suggesting changing Constitution for Muslim reservation, BJP accuses Congress of being communal.

The Parliament witnessed uproar on March 24 over the alleged remarks of Karnataka Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar about “changing the Constitution” to provide reservation to Muslims.

However, the DCM denied hinting at changing the Constitution to accommodate religion-based reservation. The KPCC president also accused the BJP and its chief JP Nadda of misquoting him.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on March 24, Shivakumar said, “I am sensible, senior politician than (JP) Nadda. I have been in the Assembly since last 36 years. I have basic common sense. I have not said that there will be any... I have said casually that there will be so many changes after various judgments. I have not said that we are going to change the Constitution. Whatever they are quoting is wrong. They are misquoting it. We are a national party, we know what Constitution is. I will take breach of privilege on this. I will fight a case; they are misquoting me.”

The controversy erupted after Mr. Shivakumar’s appearance on the News18 India Diamond States Summit 2025 on March 23, 2025. While speaking about the amendment to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (Amendment) Bill, 2025, that provides for 4% reservation to contractors from Muslim community in public works the State, Mr. Shivakumar said that the “constitution will be changing”. His remarks sparked a massive row and drew backlash from BJP leaders.

Mr. Shivakumar said “There is a big debate around this. Many BJP leaders have criticised it, claiming that Muslims are only fit for fixing tyre punctures or selling meat. But it is our duty to uplift people from all sections of the society. We have given them opportunities and reservation in education and employment but we must also uplift them economically...We wanted to help the Muslim community in a smaller way and make them part of the development process, and hence have them do contract work.”

In response to a query that even the Constitutions doesn’t allow for reservation on the basis of religion, Mr. Shivakumar clarified, “I agree, let us wait and watch. Let us see what the courts say. I know people will approach the court. Let us wait for the good day; good day will come. Lot of changes are there and the Constitution will be changing. There are judgements which alters the Constitution also.”

BJP leaders criticised the KPCC chief’s comments, accusing the Congress of being “communal” and undermining the guarantees provided to backward class communities. MP Sambit Patra accused the Congress party of attempting to partition the country again.