The election battle in Karnataka has taken a curious turn, with the BJP and Congress leaders in the state fighting over a man from the far north, Uttar Pradesh. The Chief Minister of the north Indian state, who has been the centre of several controversies, is now the topic of a war of words ahead of the Assembly elections.
It all started with with Saturday night’s candlelight march in Bengaluru, protesting the incidents of rape at Unnao and Kathua. At the march, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Dinesh Gundu Rao said, “PM Modi should sack Yogi Adityanath as he is not a Yogi but a 'dhongi'. If he comes next time to Karnataka, he should be beaten with your slippers. Drive him out.”
On cue, the BJP leaders in the state got angry, and decided to give a communal hue to the comment.
Launching a personal attack on Dinesh Gundu Rao’s wife, Mysuru-Kodagu MP and BJP leader Pratap Simha said, “In yesterday night's candlelight march in Bengaluru, all of you heard Congress leader Dinesh Gundu Rao's disgusting remarks. Mr Dinesh Gundu Rao, you said the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath should be hit with slippers… Instead of Yogi, if you had said the same thing about a Mullah or a Maulvi, your wife Begum Tabbu would do the same to you (hit you with slippers.)”
The BJP leader was referring to the fact that Dinesh Gundu Rao’s wife, Tabassum, is a Muslim – a fact that the party leaders have used to take a dig at the Congress leader in the past.
Pratap Simha then threatened, “Beware of what you’re saying, or we will have to give you a fitting reply.”
Late on Saturday night, the Karnataka BJP’s official Twitter handle also decided to take on Dinesh Gundu Rao for his speech.
“Mr Rao, your love for Muslims must not translate to hatred for Hindu saints,” the BJP said, referring to the saffron-clad Chief Minister of the northern state.
Mr Rao, your love for Muslims must not translate to hatred for Hindu saints.
— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) April 14, 2018
What were you thinking when you said Yogi Adityanath must be beaten with chappals?
Hindu-Vokkaligas of K'taka hold him in high regard. You have insulted the entire community with your heinous comments!
The party’s Chief Ministerial face, BS Yeddyurappa too tweeted asking for the same.
Dinesh Gundu Rao's choice of words to address Yogi Adityanath ji has appalled me. Utter disrespect to a CM & a revered Natha family saint. The millions of Natha Panth followers of Karnataka will never forgive this. I sympathise with you and your party’s culture. #apologizetoYogi pic.twitter.com/IifMq7dD7D
— B.S. Yeddyurappa (@BSYBJP) April 14, 2018
Replying to the tweet by the BJP’s official handle, Dinesh Gundu Rao said, “Please take a look at UP CM Adityanath’s criminal record. I wonder how many Yogis and Saints have his track record. Should we still call him a Yogi? And why are you insulting our revered true saints of Karnataka & India by comparing them to Adityanath.” He also attached Adityanath’s electoral affidavit.
Please take a look at UP CM Adityanaths criminal record. I wonder how many Yogis and Saints have his track record.
— Dinesh Gundu Rao (@dineshgrao) April 14, 2018
Should we still call him a Yogi?
And why are you insulting our revered true saints of Karnataka & India by comparing them to Adityanath.https://t.co/Zn3cJTjq4Y… https://t.co/ghkL5tnKGe
The Karnataka Youth Congress handle also attacked the UP CM on law and order issues, citing media reports of violence against women and children.
'Jungle Raj' in UP & other BJP ruled states as thugs have been made MLAs & Ministers.
— Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka) April 9, 2018
BJP rule always brings with it collapsing law & order, assault on women, moral policing & riots.
Yeddyurappa ಅವರೇ, have some shame when you invite Adityanath to advise the people of Karnataka! https://t.co/c8XhPaB0Oc