Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday came down heavily on Indian Air Force Wing Commander Shiladitya Bose for his alleged involvement in a road rage incident and his subsequent remarks on social media that were seen as derogatory towards Karnataka and its people.
Reacting strongly to the episode, CM Siddaramaiah said, “He made unwarranted and derogatory remarks about Karnataka and Kannadigas on social media, displaying conduct that is deeply disrespectful and inflammatory.”
The incident in question occurred in CV Raman Nagar, Bengaluru, where Bose allegedly assaulted a local resident, Vikas Kumar, following a minor road altercation. What further intensified the controversy was Bose’s alleged social media post accusing Kannada-speaking locals of targeting him, which has since sparked outrage.
Highlighting Karnataka’s deeply rooted values of harmony and acceptance, Siddaramaiah added, “Kannadigas are proud of their mother tongue, but they are neither parochial nor intolerant. It is not in our culture to attack or abuse others over linguistic matters.”
Reaffirming the state’s inclusive identity, he noted, “Karnataka has a long and proud tradition of embracing people from across the country, treating them with respect, and accepting them as one of our own. The inclusive spirit of this land is well documented in history.”
Siddaramaiah also took aim at sections of the national media, accusing them of bias and irresponsibility. “This has caused pain and anguish to every Kannadiga,” he said, referring to what he called the amplification of “a baseless accusation from one individual,” thereby maligning the reputation of the state.
