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. However, on Tuesday, Shivakumar clarified that his remarks were taken out of context and twisted by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Deputy CM stated that his comments were aimed at the Kerala government’s interference in the Kogilu demolition drive, not at the people of Kerala.
The controversy began when Shivakumar made a statement that seemed to suggest that Keralites were not welcome in Karnataka. The comment sparked outrage, with many accusing the Deputy CM of promoting regionalism and xenophobia. However, Shivakumar has now come out to set the record straight, claiming that his words were distorted by the BJP to create a false narrative.
According to Shivakumar, his comments were specifically targeted at the Kerala government’s attempts to interfere in the Kogilu demolition drive, a campaign aimed at removing illegal structures in the region. The Deputy CM stated that he had no intention of offending the people of Kerala, with whom he has always shared a cordial relationship.
“I have always respected the people of Kerala and have maintained good ties with them,” Shivakumar said. “My comments were aimed at the Kerala government’s interference in our state’s affairs, not at the people of Kerala. The BJP is trying to twist my words to create a controversy and gain political mileage.”
Shivakumar also accused Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar of playing a key role in distorting his comments. The Deputy CM claimed that Chandrasekhar was trying to create a rift between the people of Karnataka and Kerala, and that his actions were motivated by a desire to polarize voters ahead of the upcoming elections.
“I will not let the BJP’s attempts to divide us succeed,” Shivakumar said. “I have always believed in maintaining good relations with our neighboring states, and I will continue to do so. In fact, I am looking forward to campaigning in the upcoming Kerala polls and interacting with the people of the state.”
Shivakumar’s clarification has come as a relief to many who were concerned about the potential consequences of his initial comments. The Deputy CM’s emphasis on his respect for the people of Kerala and his commitment to maintaining good ties with the state is a positive step towards diffusing tensions and promoting regional harmony.
The controversy surrounding Shivakumar’s comments is a reminder of the dangers of taking statements out of context and using them to create a false narrative. It is essential for politicians and media outlets to be responsible and accurate in their reporting, rather than trying to sensationalize stories for the sake of ratings or political gain.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding DK Shivakumar’s “we don’t want Keralites” remark has been clarified by the Deputy CM himself. His comments were aimed at the Kerala government’s interference in the Kogilu demolition drive, not at the people of Kerala. The BJP’s attempts to twist his words and create a controversy have been exposed, and Shivakumar’s commitment to maintaining good ties with the people of Kerala is a positive step towards promoting regional harmony.
As the political landscape in India continues to evolve, it is essential for politicians and media outlets to prioritize accuracy and responsibility in their reporting. By doing so, we can promote a more informed and nuanced public discourse, and avoid the kind of controversy that has surrounded Shivakumar’s comments.
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