Daijiworld Media Network - Ballari
Ballari, Jan 20: Raking up a fresh controversy, union minister Ananth Kumar Hegde on Saturday January 20 termed members of Dalit organizations who had gheraoed his car as 'dogs'.
Members of Dalit organizations gheraoed his car and waved black flags in protest against his recent statement on 'changing' the Constitution. The police immediately intervened and managed to disperse the protestors.
Thereafter, Hegde participated in the job fair and said, "We are stubborn. We have the drive and strength to build the nation. We do not get intimidated by dogs barking on the streets. This is my nature. There is no question of caving in."
The protestors gheroed his car when he was travelling from the inspection bunglow to the job fair venue. MP Sriramulu who was with him tried to pacify the protestors, but in vain.
In December 2017, speaking at a programme in Koppal, Hegde had stirred a controversy over his comment that his party which is in power at the centre was 'ready to change the Constitution'. The comment led to protests and widespread condemnation, after which Hegde apologised.