'Aye Police!': Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Angrily Calls Cop On Stage, Raises Hand To Slap Him During Rally In Belagavi (VIDEO)

Belagavi, April 28: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lost his temper during a Congress protest rally in Belagavi on Monday (April 28). He called a police officer onto the stage and angrily raised his hand at him, as if to hit him. The incident was caught on camera and the video of the incident is doing rounds on social media. Siddaramaiah is facing ire from the opposition over his rude behaviour against the police officer in front of the crowd and other leaders present at the rally.

The incident occurred while Siddaramaiah was speaking at the event. A few women, reportedly BJP workers, started shouting slogans against the state government and waving black cloths as a form of protest. Siddaramaiah got angry over the cops and angrily called a police officer onto the stage. He called the cop from stage by disrespectfully shouting in the mic, "Aye Police."

The police officer who is said to be an SP (Superintendent of Police) walked all the way to the stage after which Siddaramaiah raised his hands in anger as if he was going to slap him. However, he controlled himself and stopped.

Congress leader Randeep Surjewala who was also present at the rally and was caught on the mic asking Siddaramaiah to claim that the people protesting at the rally are from the BJP. He whispered in his ears, "You should say these are BJP people and we will not be scared like this." However, Siddaramaiah rudely denied his request after which Surjewala went away.

The incident triggered sharp criticism from the opposition parties. The JD(S) posted a strong message on social media, accusing Siddaramaiah of letting power go to his head. They said that raising a hand against a police officer and using disrespectful language in public was unbefitting of a Chief Minister. They also reminded him that while his term lasts only five years, government officers serve until the age of 60 and no one holds power permanently.

JDS said, "@siddaramaiah Power has gone to your head. Raising your hand to hit the District Superintendent of Police does not befit your position or dignity in any way. As the Chief Minister, your use of singular language in a public forum and your attempt to strike an SP (Superintendent of Police) is an unpardonable offense, akin to that of a street rowdy. Your term in power is only for five years, whereas a government officer serves until the age of 60. Authority is never permanent for anyone. Correct your misconduct."

The BJP also reacted strongly. Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje told IANS that Siddaramaiah’s action was shameful. She said, "I condemn this act. What message does he want to send by trying to slap a uniformed officer in a public place?"