KS Eshwarappa, Leader of the opposition in the Karnataka legislative council, finds himself in a soup after a video has surfaced where he is seen telling his party men, “Lie if you have to, but don't admit you don't know.”
Political parties like JD(S) have latched on to the video and shared it on their official Facebook page. Over 83,000 people have viewed the video with 1,765 shares at the time of writing.
"Did you know that Pakistanis hacked Indian soldiers to death during Vajpayee’s rule. But have you seen it? In such situations, say that Pakistan never dared to threaten us during Vajpayee period. At the same time, during Manmohan Singh's period, Pakistani soldiers attacked and slaughtered Indian soldiers. When it comes to Narendra Modi, tell that the Pakistanis are never spared. Ten people were killed and Narendra Modi is a strong man. What's wrong in saying it? There may not be much you know, but use Narendra Modi's name. The entire world accepts the fact that Modi is a strong man, so what's the harm in hyping it?" the BJP leader is seen asking in the video.
The video has elicited several responses with Ravichandra Kenchaiah saying, "These people (BJP) are doing the same thing now, lying to the people.”
"It's unfortunate that politicians are increasingly stooping to such low levels. Earlier, there was a perception that one can win polls with caste, money and muscle power. Now we need to add lie as well," said JD(S) leader YSV Datta.
KPCC working president Dinesh Gundu Rao said, ”Eshwarappa's statement reflects the BJP's stand, strategy and culture. They are already spreading bundle of lies through their Parivartana Yatra across the state. The leaders are now urging their partymen to follow suit.”
Meanwhile, Eshwarappa said it was an internal meeting of BJP workers and refused to comment on the video.