Protests Erupt Over Alleged Comments by Karnataka Deputy CM

The BJP held protests across Karnataka against Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's alleged comments on changing the Constitution for a four per cent Muslim reservation. Shivakumar denied the comments, calling them a misquote. BJP demands his apology and resignation, accusing the Congress of 'appeasement politics'.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) orchestrated widespread protests across Karnataka in response to purported remarks by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar regarding altering the Constitution to facilitate a four per cent reservation for Muslims.

Although Shivakumar refuted the claims, stating he was 'misquoted', the BJP proliferated demonstrations, demanding his resignation and labeling the Congress's approach as 'appeasement politics'. Key states involved in the protests included Mandya, Chikkaballapura, Mysuru, and Kalaburagi.

The protests featured BJP members demanding legal actions against Shivakumar, with activities escalating to burning effigies and derogatory slogans emphasizing an anti-Constitution narrative. Meanwhile, the Karnataka Legislative Assembly approved a Bill granting a four per cent reservation for Muslims, significantly heightening political tensions.

(With inputs from agencies.)