As Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah arrived to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary in Bengaluru, a Congress worker was caught in a controversial moment earlier on Wednesday. The worker, holding the national flag in his hands, was seen removing the shoes from CM Siddaramaiah's feet as he prepared to offer his respects.
The incident, which took place during the solemn event, drew immediate attention when a man nearby intervened and took the Tiranga (Indian national flag) away from the worker as he continued removing the shoes. The act of handling the flag while performing a personal task like removing shoes also raised concerns about respect for the national symbol.
According to ANI, a Congress worker, with the Tiranga in his hands, removed shoes from the feet of Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah earlier today as he arrived to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary. A man present at the spot, removed the flag from the worker's hands as he continued removing the shoes.
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On the occassion of Gandhi Jayanti, the Chief Minister took to X and said: "In a world full of communalism, dictatorship and violence, only Mahatma Gandhi, the embodiment of truth, peace and non-violence, can lead us by the hand."
"Bapu's life and thoughts have given me courage, strength and hope even in my current struggle of facing the real test of truth. Happy Gandhi Jayanti to all the people of the country," he added.