New Delhi [India], March 24 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday launched a sharp attack on Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and the Congress party, accusing them of pursuing 'Muslim appeasement' under the guise of altering the Constitution.

Addressing a press conference, Prasad quoted Shivakumar's recent statement over the four per cent reservation for minorities in Karnataka.

'I will read out Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar's statement: 'There is a big debate going on regarding this issue (four per cent reservation). Many BJP leaders have claimed that Muslims are repairing bikes, and it is our responsibility to uplift every section of society, allow them to come forward, and be a part of the development. We have initiated something, and we know that everyone will approach the court. Many judgements have altered the Constitution over time. Let us watch what the court comes out with... We will wait. Some good day will come; lots of things will be there, the Constitution will be changing, and there will be judgements that will alter the Constitution also,' the BJP leader said, quoting the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister.

Prasad seized on these remarks, questioning their intent. 'What does this mean? That constitution will be changed if needed... Now, he claims that he is being misquoted... Religion-based reservation is not permissible in our Constitution... Where will this Muslim appeasement politics go?' he asked.

The BJP MP further criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, alleging a shift in the party's approach to electoral gains.

'Did Rahul Gandhi go to Kumbh? Why is he ashamed? Rahul Gandhi was seen in temples sometimes, but now that has stopped. This is for the sake of votes,' Prasad claimed.

He concluded with a scathing assessment of the Congress strategy, stating, 'They are losing again and again but won't stop Muslim appeasement.'

This came amid an escalating row over the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister's alleged remarks on the Constitution.

Earlier today, Shivakumar hit back at the BJP over the matter, accusing the party of misquoting him and spreading fake news.

Addressing the controversy, Shivakumar asserted, 'I am a sensible, senior politician, more so than Mr Nadda. I have been in the Assembly for the last 36 years. I have basic common sense. I casually said there would be changes after various judgements. As per the quota for backward classes, reservation has been given. I never said we are going to change the Constitution.'

The Deputy CM clarified his stance, refuting the BJP's interpretation of his statement.

'Whatever they are quoting is wrong. They are miscarrying it. We are a national party - it is our party that brought the Constitution to this country,' he emphasised.

Announcing his next steps, Shivakumar said, 'I will take a breach of privilege on this. I will fight a case. They are misquoting me.'

He further accused the BJP of a deliberate campaign to mislead, stating, 'The BJP always tries to misguide the country... They are peddling fake news.'

Shivakumar's remarks sparked a massive row and drew backlash from BJP leaders over the Karnataka state cabinet approval of an amendment to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act, which aims to provide a four per cent reservation in tenders to minority contractors. (ANI)