Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Monday strongly condemned recent comments made by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, asserting that India’s Constitution is secular and does not permit reservations based on religious identity. The remarks have triggered heated exchanges in Parliament, with both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha facing disruptions.
Key Highlights:
Speaking to reporters, Rijiju warned that “very serious” implications arise from Shivakumar’s statement, which, he alleged, hints at altering the Constitution to allow reservations for Muslims. Rijiju emphasized that the issue of religious-based quotas was rejected as early as 1947 when the Muslim League raised it in the Constituent Assembly.
Rijiju Reiterates Constitutional Principles
“The Constitution of India is secular,” Rijiju declared. “It provides for reservation on economic and social criteria, not religious affiliation. Any attempt to change this principle is a direct attack on the very foundation of our republic.”
He noted that the ruling NDA coalition has taken the matter seriously and demanded clarity from the Congress party leadership, especially from its president Mallikarjun Kharge, who serves as Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha.
Historical Context: 1947 Rejection of Religious Quota
Rijiju highlighted that the demand for Muslim reservation was firmly rejected during India’s formative years.
“The Constituent Assembly, in 1947, turned down the Muslim League’s demand for such reservation,” he said. “This is not a new debate. It was settled at the time our Constitution was being framed.”
Congress Responds: Shivakumar Clarifies
Responding to Rijiju’s accusations, DK Shivakumar issued a clarification, saying his comments were being “misquoted and taken out of context.”
“I never said we are going to change the Constitution,” he explained. “I merely mentioned that many changes come after judicial decisions. I am a senior legislator with 36 years in public life. This is being twisted for political gain.”
He further stated his intention to file a breach of privilege and possibly pursue legal action, accusing opponents of defamation.
Kharge Defends Party’s Commitment to Constitution
In Parliament, Mallikarjun Kharge defended Shivakumar and the Congress Party, stating,
“Nobody can change the Constitution drafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar. To protect it, we conducted the Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.”
Kharge accused the NDA government of attempting to distract from core issues, stating that it is the ruling coalition, not Congress, that is jeopardizing India’s constitutional values.
Parliament Disruption and Demand for Accountability
The issue led to a ruckus in both houses. Rijiju demanded that Congress either distance itself from Shivakumar’s remarks or clarify whether they intend to modify the Constitution to enable religion-based reservations.
“I have asked Congress to take a clear stand,” Rijiju said. “Are they willing to disown such a statement, or will they go ahead and try to destroy the Constitution?”
As tensions rise ahead of the 2024 general elections, this episode has become a flashpoint in the larger debate around reservation policies, secularism, and constitutional integrity. The controversy underscores the political sensitivities surrounding religion-based rights and their place in India’s governance model.
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