Karnataka Deputy CM Shivakumar slaps party worker, sparks controversy
What's the story
A video showing Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, slapping a Congress Party worker during a political rally in Haveri has ignited controversy. The footage has rapidly spread across social media platforms, attracting sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The incident occurred while Shivakumar was campaigning for Vinoda Asooti, the Congress's Lok Sabha candidate from Dharwad.
Incident details
Video details
The video clip shows Shivakumar stepping out of a vehicle in Savanur, surrounded by Congress supporters chanting slogans. Amidst the chaos, a worker named Allauddin Maniar is seen attempting to place his hands on Shivakumar's shoulders. This action leads to Shivakumar slapping Maniar, who is then escorted away by police officers as the deputy chief minister continues his path.
BJP reaction
BJP's IT cell head shares video, criticizes Congress
Sharing the video of Shivakumar slapping the worker, Amit Malviya, head of BJP's IT Cell, questioned why any Congress worker would stay with a party where leaders physically assault them. In the social media post accompanying the video, Malviya wrote, "Karnataka's DCM, DK Shivakumar, slaps Congress Municipal Member Allauddin Maniar while campaigning in Savanur town of Haveri." "Their leaders slap them, humiliate them, don't give them tickets...Is it for the corruption money they make on the side? No self respect?"
Twitter Post
Video from rally in Haveri
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.
— Amit Malviya (मोदी का परिवार) (@amitmalviya) May 5, 2024
His crime? He happened to put his hands on DK Shivakumar's shoulder, when the latter… pic.twitter.com/meDwwr0zRz
2021 incident
Shivakumar slapped Congress worker for keeping hand on his shoulder
In 2021, a video had also surfaced showing Shivakumar slapping a party worker for the same reason—trying to touch him. The video showed the party worker walking beside Shivakumar, and when he tried to put his hands on the leader, Shivakumar snapped and slapped him. "What is this behaviour at this place? I have given you freedom, but that doesn't mean you can do this," he was overheard saying.