New Delhi: Congress leader and former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah was caught on video slapping a member of his party. Siddaramaiah also made headlines recently for comparing Janata Dal (Secular) [JD(S)] party workers with sex workers, for which he came under heavy criticism.
Video footage of the incident became viral on social media. Siddaramaiah finished addressing a press conference at the Mysuru airport and was walking away when he slapped the man.
#WATCH: Congress leader and Karnataka’s former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah slaps his aide outside Mysuru Airport. pic.twitter.com/hhC0t5vm8Q
— ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2019
On August 31, the former chief minister made offensive remarks at a press conference. He was asked about the JD(S) holding him responsible for the coalition government’s collapse in the state. He responded, “A prostitute who can’t dance says the floor isn’t right to dance,” to claps and cheers from others present at the press conference.
The BJP was quick to criticise him for the comments.
He’s former CM, he rightly exhibited culture of CONgress, this is how they respect women.
See the kind of language he used when he was asked about his role in coalition govt’s failure.
I strongly condemn former CM using foul language about women while addressing a press meet., pic.twitter.com/SvNHHPtnlW
— Shobha Karandlaje (@ShobhaBJP) August 31, 2019
BJP spokesperson Malavika Avinash told The News Minute that it is “extremely unfortunate” for a former chief minister to make such statements. “Siddaramaiah has been known for using foul language against the prime minister and after fighting for women’s empowerment recently, it is very unbecoming that Siddaramaiah uses such language. Objectifying women for the purpose of making a political statement is shameful,” she said.
Siddaramaiah later “clarified” his statement, saying he was referring to the BJP and not the JD(S). He said his comment was derived from a Kannada proverb. “It is a proverb from our side. Those who can’t dance blame the floor. What is the controversy in it? I was referring to the BJP with this”, he said.
The former chief minister also found himself in hot soup earlier this year after he was seen misbehaving with a woman. Siddaramaiah, at a meeting with party workers, was seen snatching away a mic from a woman’s hand.
Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah misbehaves with party worker at Varuna, Mysuru during a public meeting. pic.twitter.com/kjJfqEPIY9
— Nikhita Venugopal (@nkvenugopal) January 28, 2019
According to reports, Siddaramaiah was angered by the woman, a Congress worker named Jamalar, trying to raise a local issue with him.