BJP twisting my comments: K’taka Dy CM on ‘We don’t want Keralites’ remark
In a recent controversy, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar found himself at the center of a storm after his comments on not wanting Keralites in the state were widely reported. However, on Tuesday, Shivakumar clarified that his remarks were taken out of context and twisted by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). According to Shivakumar, his comments were aimed at the Kerala government’s interference in the Kogilu demolition drive, not at the people of Kerala.
The Kogilu demolition drive has been a contentious issue between the two states, with Karnataka seeking to demolish allegedly illegal structures in the border area. The Kerala government has been opposing the move, leading to a standoff between the two states. Shivakumar’s original comments were made in this context, but the BJP quickly seized upon them to accuse the Karnataka Deputy CM of being anti-Keralite.
Shivakumar was quick to deny these allegations, stressing that he has always had cordial ties with the people of Kerala. “I have always respected the people of Kerala and have a good relationship with them,” he said. “My comments were aimed at the Kerala government’s interference in the Kogilu demolition drive, not at the people of Kerala.” He further added that he would even campaign in the upcoming Kerala polls, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining good relations with the people of the state.
The Karnataka Deputy CM specifically accused Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar of twisting his words. “The BJP is trying to create a controversy where none exists,” Shivakumar said. “Rajeev Chandrasekhar is trying to politicize the issue for his own gain, but I will not let him succeed.” Shivakumar’s comments are a clear indication that he will not let the BJP succeed in its attempts to create a rift between the people of Karnataka and Kerala.
The controversy surrounding Shivakumar’s comments has highlighted the sensitive nature of inter-state relations in India. While the country is a union of diverse states with their own unique cultures and languages, there are often tensions and rivalries between them. The BJP’s attempts to exploit these tensions for political gain are not new, but they are particularly egregious in this case.
By twisting Shivakumar’s comments and presenting them as anti-Keralite, the BJP is trying to create a wedge between the people of Karnataka and Kerala. This is a dangerous game, as it can lead to increased tensions and conflict between the two states. The BJP’s actions are particularly hypocritical, given that the party has often accused its opponents of being divisive and promoting hatred.
In contrast, Shivakumar’s clarification and commitment to maintaining good relations with the people of Kerala are a welcome respite from the usual politics of hatred and division. By stressing his respect for the people of Kerala and his desire to maintain good relations with them, Shivakumar is promoting a message of unity and cooperation.
As the controversy surrounding Shivakumar’s comments dies down, it is clear that the BJP’s attempts to create a rift between the people of Karnataka and Kerala have failed. Shivakumar’s clarification and commitment to maintaining good relations with the people of Kerala have ensured that the issue does not escalate further. The incident is a reminder that politicians must be careful with their words and actions, as they can have far-reaching consequences.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Shivakumar’s comments is a classic example of how politicians can twist and turn words to suit their own purposes. However, it is also a reminder that there are still politicians like Shivakumar who are committed to promoting unity and cooperation. As the country moves forward, it is essential that we prioritize these values and work towards creating a more harmonious and cooperative society.
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