Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has found himself embroiled in controversy after he appeared to raise his hand at Dharwad Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Narayan Bharamani during a rally in Belagavi on Monday. The incident unfolded during a public event disrupted by BJP Mahila Morcha workers who staged a protest by waving black cloths and shouting slogans against the Congress-led state government.
Amid the rising tension and commotion, a visibly agitated Siddaramaiah summoned the police officer onto the stage and sharply questioned him, saying, “You, whoever you are, come here, what were you doing?” The CM then raised his hand in what appeared to be an attempt to slap the officer, though he stopped short of making contact. The officer stepped back quickly, and the situation de-escalated as the protestors were removed by police personnel.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from the Janata Dal (Secular) and the BJP. In a post on social media platform X, the JD(S) slammed Siddaramaiah’s conduct, calling it “arrogant” and “disrespectful.” They remarked that while political power is temporary, government officials serve for decades. “Power is not permanent. Correct your misconduct,” their statement read.
Reacting strongly, BJP leaders labelled Siddaramaiah’s behavior as “unprofessional” and indicative of the Congress government’s attitude towards law enforcement. Leader of Opposition in the Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, took a dig at the CM, calling the protest a “complete intelligence failure” and accusing Siddaramaiah of hypocrisy for previously blaming the Centre for security lapses in the Pahalgam terror attack.
BJP Mahila Morcha president K. Manjula expressed outrage, citing the Belagavi protest as a response to Siddaramaiah’s alleged insensitivity toward victims of the Pahalgam attack. She condemned the CM’s aggression, stating, “This is an unacceptable and intolerable display of rage from someone holding such a high office.”
The Chief Minister’s gesture has ignited a broader political storm, with critics questioning his temperament and leadership style, and asserting that such behavior undermines the dignity of the office he holds.
