Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stirred a row after a video went viral in which he is seen allegedly slapping a Congress worker publicly during an election campaign in Haveri. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) shared the purported video of the alleged incident on X and alleged that Shivakumar slapped the worker, identified as Allauddin Maniar, who “kept his hand on the Deputy CM’s shoulder”.
What is the matter?
In the purported video shared by Karnataka BJP, Shivakumar is seen stepping out from his car. He was welcomed by the Congress workers with slogans. A man was seen attempting to click a selfie with Shivakumar while the worker Maniar was seen putting his hand on the Deputy CM’s shoulder. Shivakumar was seen allegedly slapping the worker after which the police pushed him away into the crowd.
BJP shares video, slams Shivakumar
Sharing the video on Karnataka BJP’s X handle, the party alleged that the incident took place on Saturday night when Shivakumar was on a campaign trail. The BJP alleged that Shivakumar was “angered” by the worker putting his arm around his shoulder and slapped him.
“DCM @DKShivakumar slaps Congress Municipal Member during campaign..! Video goes viral. Last night, DK Shivakumar campaigned in Savanur town of Haveri for Congress candidate Vinoda Asooti. Congress workers were chanting "DK DK" as DK Shivakumar arrived for campaigning. One of the workers put his hands on DK Shivakumar's shoulders when he stepped out of the car. Furious with the sudden inappropriate behaviour, Shivakumar slapped the worker. The worker has been identified as Municipal member Allauddin Maniar,” Karnataka BJP wrote in the post on May 5.
Who is DK Shivakumar?
Congress got a landslide victory in the Karnataka Assembly elections. The credit for this victory went to State Congress President DK Shivakumar. He was initially being considered as the main face in the race for the post of CM against former CM Siddaramaiah. However, later he was given the post of Deputy CM. His full name is Doddalahalli Kempegowda Shivakumar.
DK Shivakumar is a prominent face of the Vokkaliga caste in Karnataka and is one of the richest leaders in the state. He has been an MLA eight times and the Congress sees him as its trouble-shooter.
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