Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Nov 26: Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje on Sunday November 26 lashed out at chief minister Siddaramaiah over an advertisement issued by the state government regarding Constitution Day celebration, alleging that the CM had 'insulted' Dr B R Ambedkar, who was the chairman of the drafting committee of the Constitution, by not printing his photograph in the advertisement.
The advertisement released by the state government carries a photograph of CM Siddaramaiah, but not of Dr Ambedkar. This has sparked controversy in the political circles.
Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the ongoing Dharma Sansad here, Karandlaje, who came armed with copies of two advertisements on the same matter - one by the state government and another by the union government - said, "Chief minister Siddaramaiah has released a full-page advertisement on Constitution Day. But while it carries a big photograph of the CM, there is not a single photo of Dr Ambedkar. This is an insult to Dr Ambedkar."
Launching a fiery tirade against the CM, Karandlaje said, "The CM has posed for the photograph claiming that he is an Ahinda leader. Is he greater than Dr Ambedkar? The Congress has repeatedly insulted and defamed Dr Ambedkar. The CM must immediately apologise to the people of the state.
"Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued an advertisement on Constitution Day, but it carries only a small image of him at the corner while Dr Ambedkar's photo has been highlighted. When the PM can pay such respect, why not the chief minister?" she said.
She also slammed the CM for mimicking Modi at a recent public function in Chikkodi.
"PM Modi spoke on Dr Ambedkar and the Constitution for three days in the Lok Sabha. Under his leadership, central government has identified backward classes and released funds for their welfare and development. CM Siddaramaiah and PM Modi can never be compared, it is like comparing mouse to a tiger," she said.
"People of backward classes are endowed with self-respect and dignity. They must teach the CM a lesson for this insult," she added.