"It is to divert attention from key issues": RJD MP Manoj Jha on Shivakumar, Kunal Kamra rows

Speaking to ANI, Jha said, "It is to divert attention from the key issues," noting that the Karnataka Deputy CM's remark was "distorted" to a maximum level.

"What was the most important issue yesterday for Parliament? Stack of cash (Delhi HC judge Yashwant Varma case). But discussions were not held on that. You distorted a person's statement to the maximum," the RJD leader added.

This came amid an escalating row over the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister's alleged remarks on the constitutional changes to accommodate "religion-based" reservations in Karnataka.

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

Announcing his next steps, Shivakumar said, "I will take a breach of privilege on this. I will fight a case. They are misquoting me," and further accused the BJP of a deliberate campaign to mislead.

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.

Commenting separately on the row involving comedian Kunal Kamra, Jha remarked, "On the other hand, there was a comedy which became a tragedy."

His statement alludes to the escalating tensions over Kamra's alleged comments towards Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, which have sparked vandalism by the youth wing of Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) workers and a broader political debate.

Jha's critique underscores his view that both controversies are overshadowing critical issues like the cash recovery at Delhi High Court Judge Justice Yashwant Varma's residence, which has gripped national attention but remains undiscussed in Parliament. (ANI)