In a sharp exchange of words, Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has firmly rebuffed BJP leader Eshwarappa’s alarming call for violence against DK Suresh, Shivakumar’s brother and Congress MP. The controversy erupted after Eshwarappa advocated for a law enabling the shooting and killing of individuals like DK Suresh and MLA Vinay Kulkarni, whom he accused of promoting divisive sentiments.
DK Shivakumar, undeterred by the threat, asserted that his brother is not intimidated by such rhetoric. He emphasized that they have faced and resolved numerous threats in the past. Shivakumar’s remarks came in response to Eshwarappa’s inflammatory comments, where the latter suggested resorting to lethal measures against DK Suresh.
The spark for this contentious dialogue originated from DK Suresh’s criticism of the budget allocation, specifically highlighting the disparity in funds between northern and southern states. However, both Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar clarified that DK Suresh’s remarks were misconstrued. They emphasized that there is no intention to promote division within the country and denounced any such insinuations.
Siddaramaiah condemned Eshwarappa’s rhetoric, labeling it as language devoid of statesmanship. He pledged legal action against Eshwarappa, citing his irresponsible comments as unbecoming of a leader from a national party. Furthermore, he questioned the appropriateness of Eshwarappa’s training in the RSS, expressing dismay at the call for violence against political opponents.
In response to the FIR filed against him, Eshwarappa remained defiant, asserting his commitment to nationalist principles and Hindutva ideology. He dismissed the legal action as inconsequential, reaffirming his stance on the issue.
The escalation of tensions between political factions in Karnataka underscores the growing polarization within the state’s political landscape. As verbal sparring intensifies, concerns over the erosion of civil discourse and the potential for violence loom large. Amidst these challenges, the onus falls on political leaders to prioritize dialogue and restraint over inflammatory rhetoric, in order to foster a climate of mutual respect and cooperation.
Sources By Agencies
