CM Siddaramaiah’s aggressive behaviour towards police officer draws public outrage

CH NEWS

Shyam Sundar Vattam

Mysuru

The objectionable behaviour of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, trying to hit a senior police officer at a party function in Belagavi following a black flag demonstration by a few BJP Mahila Morcha activists, has not gone down well among citizens.

On Monday, the Chief Minister was about to slap Additional Superintendent of Police of Dharwad district, Narayana Bharamani, after the sudden protest by BJP women activists. However, this ‘slap gate’ was avoided as the police officer stepped back in time.

The only reason for the Chief Minister’s fury was the unexpected protest by BJP workers, especially at a time when the Congress party was holding a protest against the recent hike in LPG prices and the increase in excise duty on diesel.

Siddaramaiah shouted, where is the SP, Call him. Immediately, the ASP responded and came near the Chief Minister, only to miss the slap by a whisker.

The video of the Chief Minister's behaviour has drawn severe criticism from the general public.

This is not the first time the Chief Minister has shouted at senior IAS and IPS officers in public.

He has a habit of addressing any government officer, be it junior or senior, in singular language. Recently, he insulted the Deputy Commissioner of Vijayanagar district while the officer was seated in the front row of a mass marriage programme organised by the district administration.

Siddaramaiah reportedly asked, Hey, who are you. Why are you sitting in the front row, go back, despite the DC disclosing his identity. The Chief Minister appears to believe that being over 70 years old allows him to speak disrespectfully to officials in full public view without consequence.

A few years ago, Siddaramaiah got a complaint registered against two BJP activists who had shown black flags during his visit to Kodagu district over an alleged anti-Hindu remark.

As the Opposition leader during the Yediyurappa government, Siddaramaiah had once kicked the door of the State Assembly when his party members were not allowed inside.

Following in the footsteps of the Chief Minister, Women and Child Welfare Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar shouted at a Deputy Commissioner of Police, questioning how BJP activists were allowed into the Congress protest.

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Several citizens have slammed the Chief Minister for his objectionable public behaviour and have called upon like-minded people to protest and demand an unconditional apology from him. BJP and JDS leaders have also condemned Siddaramaiah for trying to hit a police officer on duty.