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Karnataka Chief Minister K Siddaramaiah sparked a massive row as he reprimanded a senior police officer on stage, even appearing to gesture to slap him at one point, at a Congress event in Belagavi on Monday.

A video of the incident that is being widely shared online shows the Chief Minister on the dais along with several other party leaders. The programme was being held as art of the Siddaramaiah government's protest against the entre over "unchecked price rise".

The incident unfolded as a few women tried to get on to the stage while Siddaramaiah was delivering his speech, apparently causing the CM to lose his temper in full public view. He then summons the police officer and reprimands him in full public view and then appeared to gesture to slap him.

The CM's actions did not go unnoticed and triggered a wave of reactions from Opposition parties including the BJP and the JD(S).

Sharing a clip of the incident, Karnataka BJP president Vijayendra Yediyurappa said that the CM's actions amounted to "hooliganism" and had "severely tarnished the dignity of the Chief Minister's office".

"Today at the Congress convention in Belagavi, patriotic women boldly voiced slogans against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who, by speaking sympathetically towards Pakistan, has tried to create rifts in the unity of Akhand Bharat. Disturbed by the protests, the Chief Minister, in a display of frustration, addressed an Additional District Superintendent of Police — who was in uniform — in a disrespectful tone and even attempted aggressive behaviour. This conduct has severely tarnished the dignity of the Chief Minister’s office and amounts to hooliganism," Vijayendra said in a post in Kannada on X.

The Janata Dal (Secular) also lashed out at Siddaramaiah and said that the Chief Minister was "intoxicated by the arrogance of power".

Raising your hand to strike the District Superintendent of Police does no credit to the dignity or stature of your position.

"As Chief Minister, attempting to assault (a police officer) in public, while addressing him disrespectfully in a singular tone like a street rowdy, is an unpardonable offense. Your tenure in power lasts only five years, but a government officer serves the state until the age of 60. Authority is never permanent for anyone. It is time for you to correct your misconduct," the JD(S) said in a post from its official X handle.

The BJP further alleged that there has been a steady decline in Siddaramaiah's behavior and remarks. " Just a few months ago, he insulted a capable Deputy Commissioner at a public event, revealing his poor cultural demeanor. His misbehavior is not new: an incident where he reportedly snatched a woman’s saree in his own constituency remains fresh in public memory. Similarly, his assault on senior politician M. Mahadevu from Nanjangud — dubbed the "Siddu Assault" by the media — is still recalled," Vijayendra said.

The BJP further said that a person who holds the Chief Minister's chair is expected to show maturity, dignity, and measured speech. "However, Siddaramaiah seems to be moving in the opposite direction, losing control over his words day by day, and arrogantly mistreating both officials and the public. This is both highly unfortunate and condemnable," it added.

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