In a surprising turn of events that has ignited widespread criticism, a Congress worker was filmed removing Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s shoes as he arrived to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 155th birth anniversary on Wednesday. The incident, captured on video, has rapidly gone viral, drawing the ire of both netizens and political opponents.
The video shows a Congress worker holding the Indian flag in one hand while bending down to take off Siddaramaiah’s shoes. A bystander swiftly intervenes, taking the flag from the worker’s hands, allowing him to continue with his task. This unusual display unfolded amid a gathering of various leaders who came together to honor the legacy of the Father of the Nation.
BJP Karnataka wasted no time in condemning the incident, sharing the video on social media and accusing the Congress party of disrespecting both the country and the national flag. In a scathing post, BJP Karnataka remarked, “The Congress party has no respect for the country and does not respect the national flag. Siddaramaiah, who is in the twilight of political life, is worried about retaining the chair, so he is mesmerized even while holding the national flag.”
The viral footage has prompted a flood of reactions on social media, with many users criticizing the Karnataka CM and the Congress party for what they deemed a blatant insult to the nation. Calls for Siddaramaiah to apologize for the incident have gained traction, further complicating an already tense political atmosphere.
This controversy arrives at a time when Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is already facing scrutiny over allegations related to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment case. Reports have surfaced claiming that 14 prime compensatory plots in Mysuru’s Vijayanagar Layout were allocated to his wife, Parvathi BM, in exchange for land acquired by MUDA. This development has raised eyebrows regarding potential favoritism and conflict of interest.
In response to the mounting pressure, Siddaramaiah’s wife has decided to relinquish ownership of the 14 plots, leading MUDA to cancel the associated sale deeds. Despite these developments, Siddaramaiah has steadfastly dismissed the allegations, asserting that he did not benefit from the land allotment and refusing to resign. He has consistently distanced himself from comparisons to previous controversies involving former Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa.
As the backlash against Siddaramaiah intensifies, the incident at Gandhi Jayanti serves as a potent reminder of the political challenges facing him and the Congress party in Karnataka.
