Refuting the opposition BJP’s claim that he suggested amending the Constitution to allow religion-based reservations, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday asserted that he was ready to retire from politics if the accusation was proven true.
He accused the BJP of “spreading false claims” due to their inability to tolerate his political stance.
DK Shivakumar also mentioned that the Congress high command had inquired about his comments and, after reviewing the video of his statement at a news channel’s programme-where he defended his government’s decision to introduce a 4 per cent reservation for Muslims in public contracts-was convinced he had not made such remarks.
“Am I mad? Those raising this issue have gone mad. BJP leaders cannot accept what I said in my interview, nor can they tolerate my political stance. Where have I spoken about changing the Constitution? It is their party members who have talked about it,” DK Shivakumar claimed in response to a question.
Speaking to reporters, he said, “I’m ready to retire from politics if I have ever spoken about changing the Constitution. Will they (the BJP) accept this challenge? Let them verify where I said it.”
Asked about the BJP’s reported plans to protest by waving black flags at his events, DK Shivakumar said, “They should go ahead. They have a special affection for me, which is why they do this. They can’t sleep without taking my name or creating issues related to me. So, let them continue.”
