DK Shivakumar Challenges BJP To Appoint Christians, Muslims as Union Ministers

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday defended the Congress government’s decision to introduce a 4% reservation for Muslims in public contracts, countering BJP criticism by challenging the party to appoint Christians and Muslims as MLCs, Rajya Sabha members, or Union ministers. Speaking in Gadag, he accused the BJP of hypocrisy in opposing the policy while claiming to uphold equality.

Shivakumar’s remarks were a direct response to state BJP president B Y Vijayendra’s post on X, where he accused the Congress of “Muslim appeasement” and undermining the state’s ethos of equality, as envisioned by poet Kuvempu in Karnataka’s anthem. Vijayendra wrote, “The BJP has always adhered to the principle of equality in share and livelihood for all… but the Congress government has decided to follow the policy of majority for Muslims, small share for others.”

Dismissing the critique, Shivakumar asserted, “Whether it is Muslims or Christians or Sikhs or Buddhists, all are citizens of the country and Karnataka state. We think about all minorities and backward classes.”

He challenged Vijayendra’s stance on equality, saying, “Let him or his party make persons (from minorities) as MLC, or Rajya Sabha member, or ministers in the central government… Let the BJP give such positions to a couple of Christians or three Muslims, then Vijayendra will have the right to speak about equality.”

Urging the BJP leader to revisit Kuvempu’s vision of a “garden of peace” for all communities, Shivakumar added, “He has now become the president of the BJP, let him be at his level.” The exchange highlights a sharpening political divide over reservation policies and representation in Karnataka.