Daijiworld Media Network - Mysore (SP)
Mysore, May 12: Well-known theatre personality, Master Hirannaiah, who is notorious for his razor-sharp tongue and tongue-in-cheek remarks delivered through dialogues forming part of theatrical performances, embraced controversy after uttering abusive words against Karnataka chief minister (CM), Siddaramaiah, and Congress supremo, Sonia Gandhi, on Sunday May 11.
His tongue-lashing came while participating at the 'Naga's Vanasiri' awards function held in the city.
Enraged at the use of obscene words against their leaders, Congress workers blocked the programme, and vandalised the venue to give vent to their anger.
Thereafter, Hirannaiah retracted his words, apologised for his utterances, met the CM, and held discussions with him.
An organization, Nagavana Kala Sahitya Vedike, had organized the 'Naga's Vanasiri' awards function and state level poets meet here on Sunday. Master Hirannaih, speaking after receiving the award, condemned the state government for affecting bus fare hike immediately after the conclusion of election. He also said it need not come as a surprise if Sonia Gandhi used Congress party to sell the country off. He also used some obscene words against these leaders and their children in his address.
As soon as they got information of what had happened, Congress workers from the city rushed to the venue of the function, vandalised the venue and blocked the programme from progressing further. They damaged the tables and chairs found on the dais, besides tearing down the banners.
However, Hirannaiah had already left the venue, as the programme was in the finishing stage.
The Congress workers then shifted their protest to in front of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi standing in front of the court complex here, and demanded for the immediate arrest of Hirannaiah.
Hirannaiah, who was taken aback at this unexpected show of dissent, said that he does not have any personal grudge or enmity against the CM and that he was prepared to tender an apology in case the CM had been hurt by his remarks. He then went to the residence of the CM at Sharada Devi Nagar in the city and offered unconditional apologies to him. Siddaramaiah took the incident in his stride and saw Hirannaiah off. Police security was arranged for Hirannaiah's return to Bangalore thereafter, in view of perceived threat from angry Congress workers.