Congress Sparks Controversy With Constitution Change Talk: BJP Responds

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly criticized the Congress party on Monday after Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar suggested potential constitutional changes to support the implementation of a 4% reservation for Muslims in government contracts. The legislation, passed by the Karnataka Assembly on Friday, has reignited political tensions.

Speaking at the News18 India Diamond States Summit 2025, Shivakumar addressed the ongoing debate, stating that while many BJP leaders have made dismissive remarks about Muslims' roles in society, the Congress intends to provide opportunities to all communities. He emphasized that constitutional interpretations have evolved over time due to various judgments and hinted that similar legal adjustments might be needed to implement the reservation.

DK Shivakumar Defends Policy Move, Anticipates Legal Challenge

Shivakumar acknowledged the possibility of the law being challenged in court but maintained that the Congress government is committed to inclusive development. "Let’s wait and see what the courts decide. Changes have occurred in the Constitution through past judgments, and more could follow," he said.

His comments, interpreted as a willingness to amend the Constitution, drew immediate backlash from BJP leaders who accused Congress of prioritizing appeasement politics over national integrity.

BJP Questions Rahul Gandhi’s Stance on Constitution

Reacting swiftly, BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, questioning his credibility as a defender of the Constitution. Malviya said that Congress has historically prioritized vote bank politics and accused the party of dividing the nation on religious grounds.

"The same Congress that caused Partition now talks about amending the Constitution for religious quotas. This shows their real intent," Malviya posted on X (formerly Twitter).

BJP Claims Congress Is Undermining Constitutional Values

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla echoed the criticism, stating that Shivakumar's comments expose Congress as a threat to the Constitution. He argued that the proposed 4% Muslim reservation violates constitutional principles and accused the Congress of planning to bypass legal frameworks for political gain.

Poonawalla also pointed out what he called a contradiction in Rahul Gandhi's claims to uphold constitutional values while supporting policies based on religious lines.

Political Messaging Intensifies Ahead of General Elections

This controversy comes amid Congress turning the BJP’s Lok Sabha campaign slogan “Abki Baar, 400 Paar” into a counter-narrative—warning that the BJP plans to change the Constitution. Now, BJP leaders argue, it’s Congress that appears willing to alter constitutional norms for political advantage.

As legal challenges are expected, the debate over the 4% Muslim reservation in Karnataka adds a fresh layer of political friction ahead of national elections, with both parties accusing each other of compromising constitutional integrity.

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