Karnataka Congress Leader Faces Intense Criticism Over Alleged Threats
Karnataka Congress leader Rajeev Gowda finds himself at the center of a major political storm. He faces serious allegations of threatening a woman municipal commissioner in Shidlaghatta. The controversy erupted after an audio clip surfaced online, purportedly capturing a heated conversation between Gowda and Municipal Commissioner Amrutha Gowda.
Protest Erupts in Shidlaghatta Over Audio Clip
Tension gripped Shidlaghatta town in Chikkaballapur district on Wednesday. Employees of the Shidlaghatta city municipal council staged a strong protest outside their office. They demanded immediate action against Congress leader Rajeev Gowda. The protest followed the circulation of an audio clip that allegedly captured Gowda threatening Municipal Commissioner Amrutha Gowda.
In the purported audio recording, Commissioner Amrutha Gowda explains that a banner put up by Rajeev Gowda was removed. She states that the banner was taken down after receiving public complaints about it. The commissioner emphasizes that the banner caused an accident, prompting the removal action.
Alleged Threats and Heated Exchange in Audio
The audio clip allegedly captures Rajeev Gowda responding with strong language. He is heard saying, "If you have removed my banner, I will come and set fire. You have seen by virtues, not my bad side." When Commissioner Amrutha explains the accident caused by the banner, Gowda reportedly questions her authority to remove it despite complaints.
The conversation grows more heated according to the audio. Gowda allegedly shouts expletives at the official. He demands that the banner be returned to its original location immediately. Commissioner Amrutha stands firm in her response. She states clearly that the banner was placed in the middle of the road without proper permission. "We will be responsible if an accident takes place," she asserts in the recording.
Rajeev Gowda's Defense and Explanation
Rajeev Gowda has strongly denied the allegations against him. He claims the banner was displayed with full permission from authorities. Gowda also alleges that authorities have repeatedly removed his banners without justification.
Speaking to a Kannada news channel, Gowda offered his version of the controversial statements. "What I meant was that since you have removed my banner, which had permission, I will set fire to those banners put up without permission. I did not say I will set her on fire," he explained. Gowda claims none of the expletives heard in the audio were directed at the official personally.
The Congress leader describes Amrutha Gowda as being like a sister to him. He expresses willingness to apologize if found at fault. Rajeev Gowda unsuccessfully contested the Assembly polls from Sidlaghatta constituency in 2023, finishing in third position.
Political Opposition Demands Immediate Action
The BJP and JD(S) have launched strong attacks on the Congress government over this episode. They accuse the Congress of turning Karnataka into what they call a 'goonda state.'
BJP state president B Y Vijayendra issued a strong statement. "Not only has the Congress leader from Shidlaghatta committed an unlawful act, but behaving in such an indecent, rowdy manner towards a woman officer on duty is unpardonable," he stated. Vijayendra demanded immediate government action against the Congress leader. He warned that people might take to the streets if proper action is not taken.
Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy took direct action following the incident. The JD(S) leader called Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh to express his strong displeasure. "How can a woman officer be insulted with such vulgar words? Such atrocities against women officers must not be tolerated," Kumaraswamy told Rajneesh according to an official statement.
The Union Minister emphasized the government's responsibility to protect women officers. He demanded that the case be taken seriously with immediate legal action against those found guilty.
The controversy continues to develop as political tensions rise in Karnataka. All eyes remain on how the state government will respond to the growing demands for action against the Congress leader.
