New Delhi: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah courted controversy on Monday after he was caught on camera losing his temper at a senior police officer during a public rally in Belagavi. The incident took place while Siddaramaiah was addressing the Congress’ ‘Save the Constitution’ rally, when a group of women protesters, reportedly BJP workers, disrupted the event by waving black cloths and raising slogans against the state government.
Visibly irritated by the interruption, Siddaramaiah summoned an additional superintendent of police (ASP) to the stage. Addressing the officer in singular, he shouted, “Hey police, come here… Who is the SP? What are you doing?” His frustration culminated in a stern gesture towards the officer, which netizens interpreted as a slapping motion. A video of the incident went viral on social media platforms.
Police detain protesters
Despite Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala attempting to intervene and whispering something into Siddaramaiah’s ear, the chief minister still reprimanded the officer in front of the crowd. Following the disruption, Congress supporters retaliated by raising slogans in favour of Siddaramaiah and the state government. Police detained the protesters soon after.
The incident has added to the political turmoil surrounding Siddaramaiah, who is already under fire over comments he made regarding the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. Speaking in Mysuru, the chief minister had said that war with Pakistan was not a solution, emphasising the need for peace and stronger security measures. His remarks were amplified by Pakistani media, prompting a backlash from the BJP.
Furore over Siddaramaiah’s Pakistan remark
State opposition leader R Ashoka accused Siddaramaiah of echoing Pakistan’s rhetoric and mockingly dubbed him “Pakistan Ratna”, suggesting that Pakistan would soon award him its highest civilian honour, the Nishan-e-Pakistan. Siddaramaiah, however, defended his statements, accusing both the BJP and sections of the media of deliberately misrepresenting his views.
“I never said no to war against terrorism or Pakistan. I only said that war should be the last resort,” Siddaramaiah clarified. “These BJPians are fools, and the media is twisting my words.”
