BJP Minister says eliminate Siddaramaiah like Tipu, later claims he meant to say defeat Congress

Karnataka Higher Education Minister CN Ashwathnarayan was forced to issue a statement on the floor of the state assembly on Thursday, 16 February, over his comments on Opposition leader Siddaramaiah.

At a public event, Ashwathnarayan had likened Siddaramaiah to Tipu Sultan and said he should be eliminated like the erstwhile ruler.

Amidst the uproar in the assembly with demand for his resignation by Opposition members, the minister, in a bid to clarify the statement, admitted to the comparison but claimed he meant no disrespect to Siddaramaiah.

He maintained that the comment was political and intended to attack the Congress party.