The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Karnataka): A fiery exchange of accusations has erupted between the BJP and Congress in Karnataka, stemming from a contentious statement by Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi. During a gathering in Koppal, Tangadagi critiqued the BJP’s unfulfilled job promises and controversially suggested that those chanting ‘Modi Modi’ in support of the Prime Minister should be slapped. This remark has sparked a significant backlash from the BJP, leading to a wider political dispute.
C T Ravi, a senior BJP figure, condemned Tangadagi’s comments as being beneath the dignity expected of someone holding the Culture portfolio, highlighting a deepening divide between the two parties. In defense, Tangadagi argued that his words, spoken in a local dialect, were misconstrued, challenging BJP leaders to address the unmet job promises previously made by their party.
The controversy has drawn in other political figures, including Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, who expressed his outrage over Tangadagi’s statement and is considering legal action. Meanwhile, Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister, D K Shivakumar, supported Tangadagi, suggesting his comments were not meant to be taken literally and were expressed in a colloquial manner.
This incident has not only fueled a heated exchange between the BJP and Congress but also brought to the fore the ongoing tensions in Karnataka’s political landscape, with both parties leveraging the controversy ahead of crucial elections.