Controversy Erupts: DK Shivakumar's Alleged Remarks Stir Political Storm in Karnataka

Congress MP Rajeev Shukla defends Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, alleging his statement was distorted by the ruling party. The controversy arises from comments about amending the Constitution for religious reservations, drawing criticism from BJP. Shivakumar and allies, including RJD MP Manoj Jha, claim the issue distracts from significant matters.

Congress MP Rajeev Shukla stepped forward on Tuesday to defend Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar amid a heated controversy over Shivakumar's purported comments about amending the Constitution. Shukla accused the ruling party of distorting Shivakumar's statement, misleadingly presenting it in parliament. Both Shivakumar and Congress President Kharge have denied such statements.

According to Shukla, "DK Shivakumar's statement was misrepresented and shown in an altered form in Parliament. Shivakumar, alongside Mallikarjun Kharge, refuted the claims, yet the ruling party persists in reiterating them, marking it as a wrongful act." Tensions escalated after the alleged remarks led to political uproar, with BJP using it as a platform to attack Congress.

Adding to the discourse, RJD MP Manoj Jha suggested on Tuesday that the controversy was a diversion from substantial issues. In his statement to ANI, Jha claimed, "It aims to divert attention from pressing issues," underscoring that the misrepresentation reached its peak level. He pointed out other critical concerns, like the Delhi HC judge Yashwant Varma case, that were overshadowed by the controversy.

Shivakumar responded to the BJP's accusations by accusing them of spreading false information and taking his words out of context. Announcing his intention to challenge the claims legally, Shivakumar stated, "I will pursue a breach of privilege action. They intentionally quote me out of context," asserting that the controversy is part of a deliberate misleading campaign. His comments coincided with the Karnataka government's controversial decision to amend the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act to introduce minority reservations.

(With inputs from agencies.)