KS Eshwarappa, BJP leader and former deputy Chief Minister, ran into a controversy after he commanded the organisers to stop Tamil Nadu state anthem and instead play Karnataka state anthem during a public event on Thursday. The incident took place at Tamil Voters' convention under the leadership of former IPS officer and Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai.
According to Deccan Herald, once the convention started on Thursday, the organisers told the dignitaries to raise for the anthem. As a result, everyone including Eshwarappa stood up. However, the organisers played Tamil Nadu anthem. Eshwarappa who was observing this immediately ordered the organisers to stop the anthem and instead play Karnataka anthem.
Eshwarappa also said that there was no need to play Tamil Nadu anthem. He said, even any woman in the group could volunteer to sing Karnataka anthem. However, none turned up so Karnataka state anthem was played.
During the event, BJP candidate for Shimoga Assembly constituency S N Channabasappa was also present.
Soon after the incident, DMK took a jibe at Annamalai. They said that the former IPS officer stood silent when the national anthem was "disrespected" in Karnataka.
DMK MP Kanimozhi sought an apology from Annamalai. Kanimozhi said, "Annamalai who could not stop his party members from denigrating Tamil Nadu Anthem how can he care about the Tamil people."
To the demand, Annamalai said, "It is not the platform of DMK to beat up, sister @KanimozhiDMK. It is customary that only after each state's national anthem is sung, the anthem of another state is played. Eshwarappa, the former deputy chief minister of Karnataka, pointed out the protocol."