Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, May 16: BJP's Udupi-Chikkamagaluru candidate Shobha Karandlaje's 'bangle' statement against Siddaramaiah on Thursday May 16 evoked a sharp response from the former chief minister.
On May 16, Karandlaje addressing reporters in Hubballi questioned why Siddaramaiah targets Prime Minister Modi but fails to talk about his achievements.
"Since the day the coalition government was formed, Siddaramaiah has been trying to position himself as the next CM, and therefore trying to maintain control over the coalition. Siddaramaiah has his eyes on the CM post and is directing his loyalists to talk publicly about the possibilities," she had said.
"Siddaramaiah equates himself to popular Karnataka CM Devaraj Urs even if he does not have the moral right to do so," Karandlaje had said, adding, "Siddaramiah is not able to control his own party MLAs. He is weak. It is your (Siddaramaiah's) duty to pacify your MLAs. If you cannot work, wear bangles on your hands."
In response, Siddaramaiah tweeted, "Being a woman it is not apt on your part to look down upon the strengths of a woman."
In a cheeky reply, Siddaramaiah told Karandlaje that her comment of ‘wearing bangles’ puts down women and questions their abilities.
"Please remember Chennamma, Obavva, Indira Gandhi have all worn bangles and achieved great fetes," he tweeted as a reply to Karandlaje's 'insult'.
Shobha not worthy to even take Siddaramaiah's name: Minister U T Khader
Minister U T Khader responded to Shobha Karandlaje's statement saying that she does not have the caliber to even utter Siddaramaiah's name.
Khader spoke to the media in a private hotel in Hubballi.
Khader further said, "Shobha is not worthy enough to utter the name of Siddaramaiah. I request my brothers in the BJP not to create any chaos and confusion in our party. Nobody can break our coalition. Our government is stable and will complete the whole term.
"I will not say anything on the discussions that are going on in the state about the post of CM. We have come here for the purpose of by-poll. We are united in all the aspects and there is no threat to the coalition government," he said.