Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah landed himself in a controversy on Monday when he engaged in a wordy duel with a woman and snatched the microphone from her, dislodging her dupatta in the process at an event in Varuna, Mysuru.
The incident, which occurred during a public interaction organised by Siddaramaiah, his MLA son Yathindra who represents the Varuna Assembly constituency, and others, was caught on camera. The video went viral on social media.
NCW to write to Karnataka police
While the BJP condemned the incident, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW) Rekha Sharma said the commission would write to the Karnataka police seeking appropriate action on the matter.
The meet was convened to discuss strengthening of the party base in the constituency, earlier held by Mr. Siddaramaiah, ahead of the coming Lok Sabha elections.
The video showed a wordy duel between Mr. Siddaramaiah and Jamalar, a former District Panchayat member, who said she was upset that his son Yathindra was “showing up” seven months after getting elected. “I am not going to keep quiet. We are seeing Saheb today, after the election time,” said Jamalar during the meeting.
Her accusation irked Mr. Siddaramaiah, who said his son regularly visited the constituency, which she strongly contested. The woman tapped the table to stress her point, enraging Mr. Siddaramaiah. He shouted at her and forcibly asked her to sit. As she beat the table the second time, Mr. Siddaramaiah lost his cool and snatched the microphone with which the dupatta got entangled.
Later speaking to reporters, Ms. Jamalar said the local officers did not respond and they wanted the MLA’s intervention. “The MLA does not visit our area. Where should we go if we have to get our official works done” she asked. She, however, regretted thumping the table.
In a tweet, NCW chief Ms. Sharma said, “NCW India has taken Suo Motu cognisance. Will write to Karnataka Police to take appropriate action.”
BJP State president B.S. Yeddyurappa said, “The aggrieved woman is from the Congress. She is complaining that the MLA is not available. Instead of addressing her grievance persuasively, Mr. Siddaramaiah displayed his anger by snatching the microphone from her and shouting at her.”
