Karnataka Elections: 'Those Not Voting, Tie Their Hands & Legs, Bring Them to Vote', Yeddyurappa Tells BJP Workers
The remarks of Yeddyurappa drew flak from the Congress, which said the "anti-democratic mindset of BJP" has been exposed.
Belagavi, May 5: As the poll pitch escalates with less than a week remaining for Karnataka to go to elections, BJP's prospective chief minister BS Yeddyurappa ended up stoking a controversy. While addressing party workers in Belagavi's Kittur, he said those who will not be voting on the polling day should be tied up and dragged out of their houses to the election booths.
"Don't rest now. If you think that somebody isn't voting, go to their homes, tie up their hands and legs, and bring them to vote in favour of Mahantesh Doddagoudar (BJP candidate from Kittur)," the former CM was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
The remarks of Yeddyurappa drew flak from the Congress, which said the "anti-democratic mindset of BJP" has been exposed. The party has appealed the Election Commission to take cognizance of his statements at the Kittur rally.
"This shows not only his and BJP's frustration but also their disrespect towards democracy," said pro-Congress commentator Gaurav Pandhi, while sharing the footage of Yeddyurappa making the controversial remarks.
"Election Commission should take a note of it and act against Yeddyurappa for threatening the voters and trying to incite RSS-BJP workers against the voters," Pandhi further added.
State-wide assembly polls in Karnataka are slated to be held in a single-phase on May 12. The results will be declared on May 15. Electioneering is in full swing in the state, with simultaneous rallies being addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other top leaders of the BJP, the Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular).
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 05, 2018 05:34 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).