Belagavi, April 28 — Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stirred controversy Monday after he was seen raising his hand in an apparent slap gesture at a senior police officer during a Congress rally in Belagavi.
The incident, which followed black flag protests allegedly by BJP workers, has drawn widespread condemnation from political opponents.
Standing on a stage alongside Congress leaders and supporters, Siddaramaiah summoned Dharwad Additional Superintendent of Police Narayana Baramani and demanded an explanation for the security lapse.
“Hey, come here, who’s the SP? What are you guys doing?” the visibly angry Chief Minister shouted, before the audio of the exchange became unclear. Moments later, Siddaramaiah raised his hand toward the officer, who was seen quickly stepping back.
The gesture sparked immediate backlash. Janata Dal (Secular) was among the first to respond, warning Siddaramaiah that “power is not permanent.”
In a post on X, the party wrote, “Raising your hand to hit a police officer does not bring glory to your position or dignity. Your term is only five years, while a government officer serves until 60. Correct your misconduct.”
The BJP also slammed Siddaramaiah, accusing him of undermining the dignity of public office. “Your act of raising your hand against a police officer is a disgrace of the highest order,” said BJP spokesperson Vijay Prasad.
“Your arrogance has crossed all imaginable limits. You must immediately and unconditionally apologise to the officer you sought to humiliate.”
Prasad further accused Siddaramaiah of dragging his office “into shameful depths” and said his behavior was “utterly unbecoming of any leader, let alone one occupying the highest seat of the state.”
Former Union Minister and BJP MLA Basanagouda R Patil echoed the criticism, calling the Chief Minister’s actions “unexpected” and urging him to issue an unconditional apology for what he described as “insensitive behaviour.”
In a post on X, Patil said, “Such a mentality of harassing and manhandling police officers deserves the harshest condemnation.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar came to Siddaramaiah’s defense but took a tough line against the BJP, warning the opposition party over the black flag protests.
“I am warning you (BJP). You must set things right and advise your workers against such acts. If not, I will not let any event of yours happen in Karnataka,” Shivakumar said.
“We are ready for any type of protest.”
The episode comes at a time when Siddaramaiah is already facing criticism over his recent comments about Pakistan.
A day earlier, BJP leaders attacked the Chief Minister for suggesting there was “no need for war” with Pakistan, comments that were amplified by Pakistani media.
Siddaramaiah later clarified that he did not advocate a complete rejection of war but said conflict should occur only if inevitable.
His statement followed a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists.
India has blamed Pakistan for the attack and announced several diplomatic measures in response, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
