Congress MP Defends Karnataka Deputy CM Amidst Constitutional Amendment Controversy

Congress MP Rajeev Shukla supported Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar regarding the controversy over his reported comments on amending the Constitution for religion-based reservations. Shukla claimed the statement was distorted. Meanwhile, RJD MP Manoj Jha suggested the controversy distracts from more pressing issues. Shivakumar announced plans to address perceived misquotations legally.

In a fervent defense, Congress MP Rajeev Shukla has stood by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar amid growing controversy over his alleged remarks on amending the Constitution. Shukla accused the ruling party of manipulating Shivakumar's comments before presenting them in Parliament, asserting both Shivakumar and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge have categorically denied the claims.

The controversy erupted after Shivakumar's reported comments suggested adjustments to the Constitution to include religion-based reservations, a point the BJP has utilized to critique the Congress. Shukla emphasized that misrepresentations of the statement have fueled the political dispute.

RJD MP Manoj Jha also criticized the uproar, proposing that it serves as a diversion from more pressing parliamentary issues, such as the case involving Delhi HC judge Yashwant Varma. Speaking to ANI, Jha underscored that the alleged distortion of Shivakumar's statement was intended to distract from substantial matters.

DK Shivakumar, responding robustly, announced his intention to pursue a legal case, alleging the BJP's deliberate campaign to misrepresent his words and spread misinformation. His comments have sparked significant backlash from BJP leaders, further intensified by the Karnataka state cabinet's approval of amendments to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act, which aims to allocate four percent reservation in tenders to minority contractors.

(With inputs from agencies.)