K’taka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar “slaps” Congress worker during election campaign, BJP condemns | Video

Bengaluru: The Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) on Sunday lambast Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar after a viral video emerged of him allegedly slapping a Congress worker during an election campaign in Haveri district.

The whole incident, recorded in a viral video, depicts Shivakumar’s campaign for Congress Lok Sabha candidate Vinoda Asooti in Savanur town. In the video, Shivakumar appears to be exiting a vehicle as workers surround him. A Congress worker attempts to touch Shivakumar’s shoulders, prompting Shivakumar to slap him. Following this incident police intervened, while Shivakumar walked away.

DCM @DKShivakumar slaps Congress Municipal Member during campaign..! Video goes viral.

Last night, DK Shivakumar campaigned in Savanur town of Haveri for Congress candidate Vinoda Asooti.

Congress workers were chanting "DK DK" as DK Shivakumar arrived for campaigning. One of… pic.twitter.com/KOx6EvPAyX

— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) May 5, 2024

BJP criticizes the act
Amit Malviya, head of the BJP’s IT Cell, condemned the incident, sharing the video on social media and criticising Shivakumar’s actions. Malviya highlighted previous instances of alleged aggression by Shivakumar towards Congress workers.

“Karnataka’s DCM, DK Shivakumar, slaps Congress Municipal Member Allauddin Maniar, while campaigning in Savanur town of Haveri. This is not the first time DK has assaulted a Congress worker. His crime? He happened to put his hands on DK Shivakumar’s shoulder, when the latter stepped out of the car,” Malviya wrote on X.

“I wonder why do Congress workers even want to work for the Congress? Their leaders slap them, humiliate them, don’t give them tickets to contest (all of them are cornered by family members)… Is it for the corruption money they make on the side? No self respect?” he added.

BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also attacked Congress in a post on X. “First Congress’ Jeevan Reddy slaps an elderly woman! Now DK Shivkumar slaps a congress worker. Nawabi mindset of Congress. Congress ki pehchaan – janta aur worker ka apman. Imagine if they are like this before elections what will they do after! Threaten voters, Abuse them, Beat them. Muhabbat Ki dukaan !!?? ECI pls act,” he wrote.