Honnali MLA Renukacharya faced criticism after a video was shared showing him paddling the oars on a coracle in shallow waters – even as people around him were pulling the coracle. The BJP leader represents Honnali constituency in Davangere district, which has been reeling under floods.
In the 38-second video, Renukacharya is surrounded by a group of people on a coracle, a small, rounded, lightweight boat. The leader is seen paddling the oars in unmistakably shallow waters. The people around him are seen holding the boat as the leader's paddling makes no effect on the boat's position. A person standing in the water is also seen pulling the boat towards the end of the video.
People were also seen clicking photographs and selfies with the MLA. The MLA's actions were criticised with several people claiming that the incident was a photo-op for the MLA and did little to help the people affected by the floods.
Karnataka BJP ministerial aspirant and former minister Renukacharya with great valour and involving himself in huge risk, single handedly rescuing villagers who were trapped in floods !!
— Vishweshwar Bhat (@VishweshwarBhat) August 10, 2019
pic.twitter.com/eBPYTXlctc
PHOTO OP GONE WRONG: Former Minister, MP Renukacharya pretends to row a coracle held by his supporters, in one feet deep of water, as he ‘rescues’ stranded villagers. This man deserves to be the Shipping Minister of India. https://t.co/gI4mgARwMx
— Gautham Machaiah (@GauthamMachaiah) August 10, 2019
How photo ops continue to be the best way to show "performance/compassion". @BJP4Karnataka legislator #Renukacharya "rescuing" stranded villagers. #Karnatakaflood pic.twitter.com/YxcV0HmzIf
— Sharan Poovanna (@sharanpoovanna) August 10, 2019
Height of stupidity, #Karnataka #BJP MLA Renukacharya should be in a circus,he could have walked instead of being silly. The coracle didn't move an inch, only for the guy on the right pulling it @BJP4Karnataka @BSYBJP pic.twitter.com/mv8umD1sL1
— Nikhil Gangadhar (@gknikhil287) August 10, 2019
Honnali has been affected by the heavy rains and floods in the state. Buses travelling from Shivamogga to Honnali have been cancelled after water-logging was reported on the route.