BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra has strongly criticised Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh over remarks he made, which Vijayendra described as inappropriate and disrespectful. The controversy stems from Minister Suresh’s alleged comments regarding the accidental death of Vijayendra’s mother, which has sparked outrage among BJP leaders and allies.
In a recent tweet, Vijayendra accused Minister Suresh and the Chief Minister of being embroiled in corruption, stating, “Bringing up the tragic incident of our mother’s death reflects your lack of culture and respect. Your whole administration is plagued by the sores of corruption. Investigations into various scams are tightening around your neck, exposing the immorality with which this government operates,” he wrote, directly attacking Suresh and the state leadership.
ಮಿಸ್ಟರ್ @byrathi_suresh ಅವರೇ,
ಅಂಗೈ ಹುಣ್ಣಿಗೆ ಕನ್ನಡಿ ಬೇಕೆ ಎನ್ನುವುದು ಗಾದೆ ಮಾತು, ಆದರೆ ನೀವು ಹಾಗೂ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿಗಳ ಮೈಯೆಲ್ಲಾ ಭ್ರಷ್ಟತೆಯ ಹುಣ್ಣು ತುಂಬಿಕೊಂಡು ನಾರುತ್ತಿದೆ. ಒಂದರ ಮೇಲೊಂದು ತನಿಖೆಗಳು ನಡೆಯುತ್ತಲೇ ಇವೆ, ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಇತಿಹಾಸದಲ್ಲಿ ಅನೈತಿಕತೆಯನ್ನು ಕತ್ತಿಗೆ ಕಟ್ಟಿಕೊಂಡು ಸರ್ಕಾರ ನಡೆಸುತ್ತಿರುವ…
— Vijayendra Yediyurappa (@BYVijayendra) October 20, 2024
B.Y. Vijayendra did not hold back as he accused Minister Suresh of trying to deflect from accusations by BJP leaders, including Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje. “Unable to respond to the genuine accusations made by Shobha Karandlaje, you resort to fabricating stories. This is a sign of cowardice. It’s time to mind your tongue and speak responsibly,” he added. Vijayendra also warned that continued slander would lead to legal action.
The controversy has also drawn attention from other prominent figures in the BJP. Bharati Shetty, a member of the Legislative Council, condemned Suresh’s comments and announced plans to file a defamation suit against him. “As a minister, he should focus on public service and refrain from making irresponsible and derogatory remarks about others’ personal lives,” said Shetty. She expressed deep disappointment over the issue, calling Suresh’s behaviour unworthy of his position and demanding accountability.
Minister Byrathi Suresh’s remarks have been widely criticized for being offensive and undermining the dignity of women in public life. Bharati Shetty condemned his words as an attack not just on a political opponent but on the values of decency and respect. “I am from Shimoga and have known Yeddyurappa, Maitra Devi, and Shobha Karandlaje personally. Such irresponsible and distasteful statements cannot be tolerated. If these remarks do not stop, I will be compelled to take legal action,” she stated.
She further questioned whether women pointing out flaws in governance were now being treated as a crime. “Is it wrong for women in leadership positions to criticize your administration? Does that give you the right to make unwarranted comments about their personal lives?” She asked, demanding an apology and immediate retraction of the statement from Minister Suresh.
The issue has also prompted a response from Chhalavadi Narayanaswamy, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, who condemned Suresh’s remarks. He accused the minister of trying to divert attention from his political failures by targeting Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje. “Your disrespectful comments towards a woman leader expose the underlying misogyny. This reflects poorly on the culture of the ruling party,” he said. He further questioned whether the Chief Minister was complicit in encouraging such statements.
Narayanaswamy and other opposition leaders are considering legal options, stating that such remarks cannot be brushed off as political banter. “The minister’s words reveal a mindset that has no place in today’s politics. We are prepared to take this matter to court if necessary,” he warned.
BJP MP B.Y. Raghavendra also released a statement condemning Suresh’s remarks. “My mother, Maitra Devi, passed away naturally. To use this personal tragedy as a means to score political points is not just offensive but shows a complete lack of basic human decency. I strongly condemn this kind of vile political strategy,” he said.
Raghavendra described Suresh’s comments as threatening humanity’s values, demanding an immediate apology. “This is an affront not just to the memory of my mother but also to our democratic ethos. I urge the minister to retract his statement and refrain from engaging in such shameful politics. Otherwise, we will be left with no choice but to take legal action to protect our dignity,” he asserted.
ನಗರಾಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿ ಸಚಿವರಾದ ಬೈರತಿ ಸುರೇಶ್ ಅವರೇ, ಮೈಸೂರು ನಗರಾಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿ ಪ್ರಾಧಿಕಾರದ (ಮುಡಾ) ದಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆದಿರುವ ಅಕ್ರಮ ನಿವೇಶನ ಹಂಚಿಕೆ ಪ್ರಕರಣದಲ್ಲಿ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಭ್ರಷ್ಟ ನಾಯಕರನ್ನು ಉಳಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳಲು, ಪ್ರಕರಣದ ದಿಕ್ಕನ್ನು ಬೇರೆ ಕಡೆ ತಿರುಗಿಸಲು ನನ್ನ ಪೂಜ್ಯ ತಾಯಿಯವರ ಸಹಜ ಸಾವನ್ನು ಆಚಾರವಿಲ್ಲದ ತಮ್ಮ ಎಲುಬಿಲ್ಲದ ನಾಲಿಗೆಯ ಮೂಲಕ ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್…
— B Y Raghavendra (@BYRBJP) October 20, 2024
The BJP leadership in Karnataka has rallied together to denounce Minister Suresh’s remarks, calling them unprovoked and a desperate attempt to divert attention from ongoing corruption allegations. They have pledged to take up the matter with legal authorities if the statements are not withdrawn and an apology is not issued.
As political tensions escalate, the controversy has highlighted the need for responsible communication in the political arena, with leaders from across the spectrum urging restraint and respect. The BJP has made it clear that it will not tolerate what it sees as an attempt to tarnish the reputation of its leaders through personal attacks.
The issue remains under heated discussion, with both parties awaiting further developments. The ball is in Minister Byrathi Suresh’s court to address the growing backlash against his alleged remarks.
