Kharge Accuses Those in Power of Seeking Constitutional Changes in Rajya Sabha
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Synopsis
On March 24, the Rajya Sabha erupted in chaos as BJP MPs charged Karnataka's Deputy CM, D.K. Shivakumar, with advocating for constitutional amendments. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge refuted these claims, emphasizing that it is the current power holders who are pursuing changes to the Constitution.
Key Takeaways
- BJP MPs accused Karnataka Deputy CM of promoting constitutional changes.
- Congress firmly rejected the allegations.
- Leader of the Opposition Kharge clarified that their ministers did not propose changes.
- BJP leaders have previously discussed constitutional amendments.
- Kharge emphasized Congress's commitment to protecting the Constitution.
New Delhi, March 24 (NationPress) The Rajya Sabha experienced a commotion once again on Monday as BJP MPs accused Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, of promoting amendments to the Constitution—a claim that the Congress party categorically dismissed as unfounded.
In response to the accusations, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), Mallikarjun Kharge, stated, “Earlier today, the topic of modifying the Constitution was introduced by certain members, including Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, and was backed by Leader of the House J.P. Nadda. I want to clarify that the Karnataka minister never indicated a desire to change the Constitution.”
The intense debate led to disorder within the House, necessitating an adjournment until 2 pm.
Upon resuming, Kharge reaffirmed the Congress party's stance, asserting, “It is not our ministers but those currently in power who consistently propose the notion of altering the Constitution.”
Addressing the Deputy Chairman, Kharge questioned the BJP's position, asking, “Didn’t RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat mention the need for constitutional changes? Leaders from the RSS and BJP have openly stated that if they attain a two-thirds majority, they will amend the Constitution. In contrast, we are dedicated to defending the Constitution at all costs.”
In reaction, J.P. Nadda labeled Kharge’s statements “a blatant falsehood” and accused the Congress of hypocrisy.
“The Congress has a history of disregarding constitutional principles. In the Karnataka Assembly, they passed a proposal that granted a 4 percent reservation for contractors—this contradicts constitutional norms,” Nadda asserted.
He also claimed that the Congress had previously stripped reservation rights from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) to favor Muslims in Telangana.
“Karnataka's Deputy CM, D.K. Shivakumar, has reiterated that the Constitution was established by the Congress, and any modifications to it will also be executed by the Congress,” Nadda stated.
The debate reignited tensions in the House, with both factions resorting to slogans, ultimately causing another adjournment.
Earlier on Monday, as soon as the House convened, Rijiju raised issues concerning statements allegedly made by senior Congress figures in Karnataka.
“A very serious matter has come to our attention,” he mentioned, adding, “A senior Congress leader in a constitutional role has claimed he is ready to alter the Constitution to provide reservations for the Muslim community.”
In response, Kharge denied the allegations, asserting that the Congress was resolute in protecting the Constitution. “No one can alter the Constitution formulated by Babasaheb Ambedkar. Who is this individual claiming we plan to do so?” he questioned.
