New Delhi: Tensions ran high in Parliament on Day 9 of the Budget Session as the BJP raised objections to remarks allegedly made by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar regarding Muslim reservations in public contracts. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju demanded an explanation from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, further escalating the standoff.

The Budget Session of Parliament witnessed disruptions and adjournments on Monday as BJP members protested remarks allegedly made by Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar. about amending the Constitution for Muslim reservation. The uproar led to an early adjournment of the Rajya Sabha and a temporary halt in Lok Sabha proceedings, with Congress dismissing BJP’s claims as "completely fake."

Rajya Sabha adjournment and disruptions

As the BJP intensified protests, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned early, preventing scheduled discussions on the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Meanwhile, in the Lok Sabha, Speaker Om Birla disallowed Samajwadi Party MPs from displaying protest posters, leading to a one-hour adjournment.

The Finance Bill, 2025, which was set to be introduced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, is now expected to be taken up once proceedings resume.

Reacting to the adjournment, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh accused the BJP of fabricating an issue to divert attention from a serious matter regarding Delhi High Court Justice Yashwant Varma.

"Today, the BJP came up with a completely fake issue to get Parliament adjourned so that the very serious issue of Justice Yashwant Varma’s conduct does not get discussed," Ramesh alleged.

Priyanka Gandhi echoed similar sentiments, accusing the BJP of deliberately obstructing House proceedings. "They seem to have made up their mind that they don’t want the House to function," she told reporters.

DK Shivakumar denies BJP’s claims

Addressing reporters in Bengaluru, DK Shivakumar dismissed BJP’s accusations, clarifying that his statements were misinterpreted.

"I have been in the Assembly for 36 years. I have basic common sense. I never said we are changing the Constitution. Whatever they are quoting is wrong, and I will take breach of privilege action against this," Shivakumar asserted.

With both parties firmly standing their ground, the Parliamentary standoff is expected to continue, potentially delaying key legislative discussions in the days ahead.