BENGALURU: A purported video of Karnataka Horticulture Minister S S Mallikarjun making allegedly objectionable remarks about BJP MLA B P Harish at a public gathering in Davanagere has triggered a political row, with the BJP demanding an apology and Harish accusing the minister of using “vulgar” language against him.The incident reportedly took place during the inauguration of a veterinary centre in Harihar, where a group of farmers approached Mallikarjun seeking water supply to the constituency.The exchange was recorded on video, which has since circulated widely on social media.
‘Why call Harish anna?’: Remarks trigger controversy
In the video, farmers are seen telling Mallikarjun that they had earlier raised the issue with local MLA Harish, whom they referred to as “Harish anna” or elder brother.They allegedly said the minister was their “Sahukaar”.Mallikarjun is then seen questioning why Harish was being addressed as “anna” and allegedly making remarks about the BJP legislator that were considered objectionable and unparliamentary.The video has drawn criticism from BJP leaders and sparked a political controversy in the district.
Mallikarjun defends remarks
Mallikarjun on Wednesday denied making any objectionable statement and said he had only questioned the use of the term “anna” for Harish.“What have I said? I have said nothing. When the farmer referred to Harish as anna, I only questioned the farmer’s age. That’s all. I told him: You are elderly; why are you addressing him (the MLA) as ‘anna’? Instead, refer to eligible people as ‘anna’, as he (the MLA) was not a suitable person to be addressed as ‘anna’,” he told reporters.
Harish accuses minister of vulgar remarks
Harish, accusing Mallikarjun of using “vulgar” words against him and behaving “rashly” with farmers, said the minister had acted improperly when they sought Bhadra river water for irrigation.He said people would teach the minister a lesson in the future and added that he would discuss the issue with BJP leaders before deciding on any further action.“Karnataka BJP is behind me against SS Mallikarjun,” he added.
BJP demands public apology
BJP state president B Y Vijayendra demanded that Mallikarjun publicly apologise for his remarks.“When a person from a prominent family background speaks so irresponsibly about an elected MLA, it is not merely an insult to Harish; it is an insult to the people of the entire constituency. Minister Mallikarjun must immediately publicly apologise to the MLA and the people of the constituency,” he said on Tuesday evening.“If you speak abusively about an elected MLA in this manner under the arrogance of power simply because you are a minister, people will understand what kind of person you are. State politics has never sunk to such a low level,” he said.“If this trend continues, the people of the state will teach you a fitting lesson. Speaking in this manner reflects the minister’s culture and conduct,” he said, adding that criticism is a normal part of politics, but speaking derogatorily about an MLA is not acceptable.(With PTI inputs)
