Man with Gun Goes Close to CM Siddaramaiah, Garlands Minister During Poll Campaign; Cops Clarify – News18
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during a roadshow in support of Congress candidate from Bengaluru South constituency Sowmya Reddy ahead of Lok Sabha elections.
(Image: PTI)
The man suddenly climbed on the vehicle while a gun was fastened to his waist and went on to garland the transport minister Reddy, his daughter Sowmya and others
A man carrying a gun went close to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah while he was campaigning in an open vehicle on Monday and garlanded Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy who was standing next to him.
The incident happened at Bengaluru’s Bhairasandra when Siddaramaiah was campaigning for Reddy’s daughter and Congress’ Lok Sabha candidate Sowmya Reddy.
The man, identified as Riyaz, made a sudden climb on the vehicle while a gun was fastened to his waist and raised slogans in support of Congress. He then went on to garland Reddy, his daughter Sowmya and others.
As he was getting down from the vehicle, Siddaramaiah and others on the vehicle noticed the gun.
According to the police, Riyaz has been carrying a gun since a murderous assault on him a few years ago and he has been exempted from surrendering his gun.
Sharing a post on X, the BJP targeted the chief minister, saying this proves that “those who garland” Siddaramaiah are hooligans, rowdies and street thugs.
“Gun-wielding rowdies, who used to be seen in the birthday posters, are now posing in front of the society with guns and garlands the CM and deputy chief minister in the rallies. Although the election code of conduct is in force, they are carrying guns and demonstrating like this to intimidate the voters in the area,” the party said.
(with PTI inputs)
