Stoking a controversy, a local BJP leader has threatened to behead Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in public if he consumed cow meat.
The remarks were made by S N Channabasappa, a former president of the erstwhile Shivamogga City Municipal Council, during a protest organised by the local party unit against Siddaramaiah’s reported comment on beef eating last week.
“How dare you lay your hands on the neck of Gomata? You are openly saying with a dictatorial attitude that you will eat cow meat… If you have the guts, you come here and eat at Gopi Circle (in Shivamogga), then, let there be no doubt that on that day, you will be beheaded,” Channabasappa said.
“… Are you playing with the emotions of Hindus? Don’t do it…,” Channabasappa had warned at the meeting held yesterday.
The remarks were described as “a provocative statement” by Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru.
“It is a provocative statement. I will ask the police to inquire into it. If it is true, they will definitely take action,” Siddarmaiah said.
Asked about state BJP leaders not reacting to such statements saying they were being made by “fringe elements”, Siddaramaiah said, “BJP people are known for it. That is why we are opposing them.”
“If I say I will eat, how will it harm majority community? Don’t we eat other kinds of meat?” he said.
