Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Nov 23: District in-charge minister Vinay Kumar Sorake seems to have stocked a controversy over his 'expert' remark directed at Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje.

When asked to comment on the proposed 'Kiss of Love' planned by people and organizations at Bangalore in protest against increasing incidences of moral policing, Sorake, who ironically, was unwilling to be drawn into a controversy, merely stated that state chief minister Siddaramaiah has already clarified the matter.

The media persons, in an attempt to extract the minister's reaction, drew his attention towards the statement issued by MP, Shobha Karandlaje, on the issue. Sorake advised the media persons to direct this question to the MP and get her response.

However, before concluding, he commented that Shobha happens to be an 'expert in it'. When media people wanted to know about the subject of this expertise, the minister maintained discreet silence.

Later in the day, BJP district president Tingale Vikramarjun Hegde termed the above comment of minister as derogatory of the MP. "The behaviour of the minister clearly reflects the level of his culture. His remark is an insult to the culturally refined populace of this district. Therefore, he should tender an unconditional and open apology to the people of the district," he demanded.

Hegde reminded Sorake that thelatter has been in a position that was earlier held by a statesman like Dr V S Acharya. "Instead of maintaining the dignity of this post, he has been exceeding the limits of decency and decorum.The minister, by choosing to pass comments about a woman MP who happens to be bold and assertive, has brought out the opinion he holds about the women of the country by his comment," he added.