Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], April 11 (HBTV): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has sharply criticised Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and the Congress party over remarks concerning constitutional changes to enable religion-based reservations in Karnataka. He described such efforts as a direct insult to the legacy of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar and the Constitution of India.

In an exclusive interview, Adityanath said, ‘The Karnataka government giving reservations on the basis of religion is an insult to the Constitution given by Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar. During discussions in the Constituent Assembly, the issue of religion-based reservations was raised, and Babasaheb protested against it.’

Providing historical context, he added, ‘He (Ambedkar) said reservations should be given socially to people who have suffered from untouchability for years. That is why the Constitution of India made special provisions for them. Every member of the Constituent Assembly opposed religion-based reservations because, in 1947, the country was divided on religious lines.’

The Chief Minister accused the Congress of consistently undermining Ambedkar's vision, stating, ‘Since 1952, Congress has meddled with the Constitution of Bhimrao Ambedkar.’

Drawing a contrast with BJP’s governance, Adityanath said, ‘Congress used to talk about women's empowerment but supported teen talaq. Modi ji ended this, setting the biggest example of women's empowerment.’

He further linked DK Shivakumar’s remarks to the broader ideology of the Congress party, stating, ‘Whatever Congress has done, DK Shivakumar is echoing it. Congress should be told the truth about its character—when it insulted Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, how many amendments it made to the Constitution, and what it did in 1976.’

In response, DK Shivakumar accused the BJP of misrepresenting his statements and announced plans to pursue legal action. ‘I will take a breach of privilege on this. I will fight a case. They are misquoting me,’ Shivakumar stated, further accusing the BJP of running a deliberate campaign to mislead the public.

The controversy stems from the Karnataka cabinet’s approval of an amendment to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act, which proposes a four per cent reservation in government tenders for minority contractors. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from the BJP and Janata Dal (Secular).

(ANI)