Chennai: Tension prevailed during Karnataka Opposition leader Siddaramaiah's visit to rain-affected areas including Kodagu after BJP members hurled eggs at the car and showed black flags to the former Chief Minister. The BJP Yuva Morcha workers also raised slogans including 'Kodagina Virodhi Siddaramaiah' and 'Tipu Jayanthiyaanu Balavantavagi Herida Hindu Virodhi'.
The protest against Siddaramaiah comes after the former CM asked why BJP workers put up a portrait of Savarkar in a Muslim area. On Shivamogga incident, Siddaramaiah said, "Why did they put Savarakar's photo in a Muslim area and removed Tipu Sultan's portrait? BJP is doing double standard politics."
The BJP members were also angered that the Tipu Jayanti celebrations was introduced during the then Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in 2016.
On Thursday, Siddaramaiah was on his way to Madikeri to inspect the rain-related havoc. While his car was nearing General Thimmaya Road, the BJP workers started showing black flag and images of Savarkar.
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Some of them also reportedly attempted to throw eggs at the car.
However, the police immediately controlled the protestors and made way for Siddaramaiah's convoy. They then took to lathicharge and dispersed the crowd near Kodagu.
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On the attack, Siddaramaiah said that it was a cowardly act and said that there was a law and order issue in the state. He also accused BJP of hiring goons to attack him.
Meanwhile, BJP leader CT Ravi said that Siddaramaiah's statement was incorrect and unconstitutional. He also asked what did Siddaramaiah mean by saying that Savakar's poster should not be put up in Muslim areas.
On August 15, a tense scenario prevailed in Shivamogga after a clash broke out since Savarkar's photo was put up near a mosque.