Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 24: The Rajya Sabha was once again thrown into turmoil on Monday following accusations from BJP MPs against Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for allegedly advocating changes to the Constitution. The Congress party quickly dismissed these accusations as unfounded and baseless.

Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge responded to the allegations by clarifying, "This morning, the issue of altering the Constitution was raised by some members, including Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and supported by Leader of the House J.P. Nadda. However, I want to make it clear that the Karnataka minister never discussed any such alteration to the Constitution."

The debate escalated, leading to a disruption in the House and a subsequent adjournment until 2 pm. When the session resumed, Kharge reaffirmed the Congress stance, stating, "It is not our ministers but those in power who keep proposing constitutional amendments."

He also turned the tables on the BJP, asking, "Didn’t RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat talk about changing the Constitution? BJP and RSS leaders have repeatedly stated that if they achieve a two-thirds majority, they would amend the Constitution. We, on the other hand, are unwavering in our commitment to protect the Constitution."

In response, J.P. Nadda branded Kharge’s comments as "an outright lie" and accused the Congress of hypocrisy. He argued that the Congress party had previously violated constitutional principles, pointing to the Karnataka Assembly’s proposal to grant 4 percent reservation to contractors, which he claimed contradicted constitutional norms.

Nadda also mentioned that Congress had once removed reservation rights from SC, ST, and OBC groups in Telangana to benefit Muslims. He further referenced Shivakumar’s statement about Congress being the party to alter the Constitution if necessary.

The exchange sparked further tensions in the House, with both sides shouting slogans, leading to yet another adjournment.

Earlier, Rijiju had raised concerns about statements allegedly made by senior Congress leaders in Karnataka. "A very serious matter has come to our attention," he said, alleging that a Congress leader in a constitutional position had expressed willingness to amend the Constitution to grant reservations for the Muslim community.

Kharge rejected these accusations, emphasizing Congress’s commitment to protecting the Constitution. "No one can change the Constitution framed by Babasaheb Ambedkar. Who is this person claiming we wish to alter it?" he asserted.