Karnataka CM tries to slap SP
In a dramatic turn of events during a Congress protest rally in Belagavi on Monday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah found himself at the center of a political firestorm after a moment of visible fury towards a senior police officer was caught on camera and widely circulated on social media.
Karnataka CM tries to slap SP
The controversy erupted while Siddaramaiah was addressing the crowd at the rally. A group of protesting women—allegedly BJP supporters—began shouting anti-government slogans and waving black cloths. The disruption visibly rattled the Chief Minister, who abruptly turned his anger toward the police.
Karnataka CM tries to slap SP
In an uncharacteristic outburst, Siddaramaiah shouted “Aye Police!” into the microphone, summoning the district Superintendent of Police (SP) to the stage in a tone many have criticized as disrespectful. Once the officer approached, the CM raised his hand in a threatening gesture, appearing ready to slap the officer but pulled back at the last moment. The crowd and fellow party leaders looked on in stunned silence.
#WATCH | Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah angrily calls a Police officer on stage during Congress' protest rally in Belagavi and gestures raising his hand at him.
— ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2025
During the CM's address here, a few women, who are reportedly BJP activists, indulged in sloganeering against… pic.twitter.com/TqrEoK9Omb
Karnataka CM tries to slap SP
Adding fuel to the fire, Congress MP Randeep Surjewala was caught on a hot mic urging Siddaramaiah to label the protesters as BJP workers, saying, “You should say these are BJP people and we will not be scared like this.” Siddaramaiah dismissed the suggestion bluntly, after which Surjewala walked away.
Opposition parties wasted no time in slamming the Chief Minister. The Janata Dal (Secular) issued a blistering statement on social media, accusing Siddaramaiah of letting power cloud his judgment.
Karnataka CM tries to slap SP
“@siddaramaiah Power has gone to your head. Raising your hand to hit the District SP does not befit your position. Authority is never permanent. Your behavior is akin to a street rowdy,” the JD(S) wrote.
The BJP also joined in the condemnation. Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje called the CM’s action “shameful,” telling IANS, “What message does he want to send by trying to slap a uniformed officer in a public place?”
Delhi: Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje says, "The Chief Minister of Karnataka today attempted to slap a police officer at a Congress event. I condemn this act. What message does he want to send by doing this to a uniformed officer in a public place…" pic.twitter.com/SidYx1MNIF
— IANS (@ians_india) April 28, 2025
Karnataka CM tries to slap SP
The incident has sparked a wave of criticism over Siddaramaiah’s leadership style and public conduct, with many calling for an apology and clarification. Whether the Chief Minister will respond remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the political temperature in Karnataka just got a lot hotter.