A heated debate unfolded in the Rajya Sabha on Monday over the Karnataka government’s decision to grant 4 per cent reservations to minorities in public contracts. Union Minister JP Nadda led the charge, demanding the withdrawal of the law and calling out Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.
Nadda, speaking in Parliament, accused Congress of falsely claiming to be "protectors of the Constitution." He expressed disappointment, criticising the party’s stance on reservations and its perceived disregard for constitutional principles.
He stated, "I say this with sadness. Congress claims to protect the Constitution, yet they have repeatedly tried to undermine it. Dr BR Ambedkar himself stated that reservation should not be based on the Constitution. The Constitution of India does not allow it."
Nadda’s comments were aimed at the Karnataka government's proposal to grant a 4 per cent reservation in contracts for minorities, which he argued was unconstitutional.
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The statement sparked immediate protests from opposition members, who demanded that Nadda substantiate his claims. Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also stepped in, asking Nadda to authenticate his remarks and present them formally in the house.
In response, Nadda remained firm. "I will authenticate my statement," he said. "The Karnataka government has passed a bill granting 4 per cent reservation in public contracts to minorities. The Deputy Chief Minister even stated that they would amend the Constitution if necessary. This is a very serious issue. These individuals claim to be protectors of the Constitution."
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge quickly countered Nadda’s remarks. He defended his party’s commitment to the Constitution, recalling the Congress-led "Bharat Jodo Yatra," which he said demonstrated their dedication to safeguarding the Constitution.
Kharge responded, "The Constitution created by Dr BR Ambedkar cannot be changed by anyone. We are the true protectors. It was we who led the Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir."
Kharge did not stop there. He also took a dig at the BJP, accusing them of trying to "break" India. "These people are working to divide the country, while we are striving for unity," he added, pointing at government MPs.
The exchange grew more intense as Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju backed Nadda. He emphasised that the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, had indeed made a public statement suggesting the possibility of amending the Constitution. Rijiju confirmed that he could authenticate this claim.
However, Shivakumar, the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister, denied the allegations. He accused the BJP of deliberately spreading false information. "The BJP is misquoting me. They are spreading fake news," he said. "We are a national party, and we were instrumental in bringing the Constitution to this country. The BJP is misleading the public."
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