A war of words erupted between the BJP, Congress and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on social media on Wednesday over lemons and its superstitious connections.
It all started when the BJP took a jibe at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah by posting a picture of him campaigning with a lemon in hand.
"Campaigns with a lemon in hand, but brings in Anti Superstitions Bill to demean and criminalise Hindu traditions. Hypocrisy thy name is Siddaramaiah," Karnataka BJP said in a tweet.
Campaigns with a lemon in hand, but brings in Anti Superstitions Bill to demean and criminalise Hindu traditions.
— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) April 4, 2018
Hypocrisy thy name is @siddaramaiah pic.twitter.com/AV9mGhD3Pt
The BJP was making fun of the Chief Minister for the controversial Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Bill that was passed in November last year banning occult and superstitious practices.
Although the bill was passed, few BJP leaders had firmly opposed the bill arguing that the state government could not curb certain practices of the Hindu community.
Siddaramaiah however hit back at the BJP by saying that the party did not know what ‘superstition’ was.
“When you visit a village people welcome you with lemon. That this is not a superstition is known to all Kannadigas. Anti-Superstition Bill has become a law passed by Karnataka legislature. It does not demean any Hindu tradition Learn about Karnataka before tweeting young fellows,” said Siddaramaiah.
The CM was taking a potshot at the 'young team' that manages BJP's Twitter account.
When you visit a village people welcome you with lemon. That this is not a superstition is known to all Kannadigas
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) April 4, 2018
Anti-Superstition Bill has become a law passed by Karnataka legislature. It does not demean any Hindu tradition
Learn about Karnataka before tweeting young fellows https://t.co/yz2iyjHRwY
A lemon-chilli totem is seen hanging from doors in many parts of India and it is supposed to avert the believed-to-be evil eye.
The BJP responded by releasing more pictures of Siddaramaiah holding a lemon during his swearing-in ceremony and the first time he sat on the Chief Minister's chair.
The BJP said, "Mr. CM you have been an awesome liar over the last 5 years! Looks like age is now catching up!"
Hahaha!
— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) April 4, 2018
We are sure the same villager had presented you with a lemon at the time of your oath ceremony and before you sat for the first time on CM's chair.
Mr. CM you have been an awesome liar over the last 5 years! Looks like age is now catching up! pic.twitter.com/97yLNXhayE
However, Siddaramaiah refused to let the BJP have the last word on the matter and retorted with a sarcastic comment taking a dig at Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani.
He was referring to guidelines framed by Smriti Irani on 'fighting fake news' that was later retracted after it caused a massive uproar.
And if you spread #FakeNews about our Anti-Superstition Law criminalising or demeaning Hindu traditions, I&B Minister Smriti Irani will hit you with her circular!
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) April 4, 2018
Does fake claims on development also qualify as #FakeNews? If it does, you'll be the worst hit!
— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) April 4, 2018
Press Council of India, there is bounty of work for you if you visit Karnataka and examine all fake claims of @siddaramaiah.
The Chief #FakeNews peddler looks already scared. https://t.co/RoCil4BlVr