Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was involved in a heated confrontation with a police officer during a Congress rally in Belagavi on Friday. The incident, which occurred while the Chief Minister was addressing a crowd, has drawn strong reactions from political opponents and sparked controversy.
The incident took place when Siddaramaiah, standing on stage with Congress leaders and workers, was reportedly shown black flags by BJP supporters at the rally. Enraged by the protest, the Chief Minister snapped at Additional Superintendent of Police (SP) Narayana Baramani.
Siddaramaiah was seen calling the officer over and asking him how such protests were allowed to take place inside the rally venue. “Hey, come here, who’s the SP? What are you guys doing?” the Chief Minister was heard saying, as tensions escalated. Witnesses said he raised his hand in a gesture resembling a slap towards Baramani, prompting the officer to swiftly step back.
?Karnataka | #Watch: Siddaramaiah’s Slap Gesture At Cop After He Loses Cool On Stage
Read more: https://t.co/KrY7F8PTEz pic.twitter.com/p3rG6KfN49
— NDTV (@ndtv) April 28, 2025
Political Fallout: Opposition Condemns the CM’s Actions
The Chief Minister’s actions have stirred up political controversy, with several opposition leaders condemning his behavior. Janata Dal Secular (JDS) shared their disapproval in a post on social media, reminding Siddaramaiah that power is transient.
“Power is not permanent,” the JDS wrote. “Raising your hand to hit the police officer does not bring any glory to your position or dignity. Your term of office is only 5 years. But a government officer serves till the age of 60. Power is not permanent for anyone. Correct your misconduct.”
BJP Slams Siddaramaiah for ‘Disgraceful’ Behavior
The BJP has also taken a strong stance against Siddaramaiah’s behavior, calling it disgraceful. Karnataka BJP spokesperson Vijay Prasad criticized the CM’s arrogance and demanded an apology.
“Your act of raising your hand against a police officer is a disgrace of the highest order. Your arrogance has crossed all imaginable limits,” Prasad said. “You must immediately and unconditionally apologise to the officer you sought to humiliate. Your insatiable lust for power is corrupting your judgment.”
BJP MLA Basanagouda R Patil, a former Union Minister, also termed Siddaramaiah’s behavior as unexpected and called for an unconditional apology. “The Chief Minister is demoralising not only the Police officers but also the entire Police Department,” Patil said. “Such a mentality of harassing and manhandling Police Officers for lapses deserves the harshest condemnation.”
DK Shivakumar Issues Warning to BJP
Meanwhile, Karnataka Congress leader DK Shivakumar warned the BJP over the black flags at the rally. “I am warning you (BJP). You have to set things right and advise your party workers against such acts. If not, I will not let any event of yours happen in Karnataka,” Shivakumar said, emphasizing his readiness for any type of protest. “Let this be a warning,” he added.
This incident comes a day after Siddaramaiah faced backlash for his comments on India’s stance regarding Pakistan. The Chief Minister clarified his position after Pakistani media picked up his comments, saying that he did not mean there should be “no war” but rather that war should only occur if it is unavoidable.
Siddaramaiah’s remarks followed the deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists. India has blamed Pakistan for the attack and taken several diplomatic measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty.
