Bengaluru/Shivamogga: In a dramatic exchange of words, Congress MP DK Suresh, brother of state party president DK Shivakumar, on Saturday issued a bold challenge to senior BJP functionary KS Eshwarappa. Suresh dared Eshwarappa to fulfil his purported dream by “shooting” him, amid escalating tensions over remarks made by both parties.
Addressing Eshwarappa directly, Suresh questioned the need to provoke and victimize the poor and urged the BJP man to confront him directly instead.
He defiantly offered himself as a target, saying, “You can fulfil your dreams by shooting me and get appreciation.”
The exchange stemmed from Eshwarappa’s earlier statement that he would shoot Suresh for his remarks on a separate nation for South India. Suresh, in response, accused the BJP of historical wrongdoings, including the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, and alleged threats to his life for pressing for Kannada and Karnataka. Deputy chief minister Shivakumar echoed Suresh’s defiance, asserting that they had no fear of bullets and challenging Eshwarappa to follow through on his threats.
Former CM BS Yediyurappa called for restraint, stating that any misunderstanding of Eshwarappa’s statements should not lead to legal action. However, CM Siddaramaiah confirmed that a police case has been registered, signalling intent to pursue legal action against the BJP functionary.
Eshwarappa unfazedEshwarappa remained defiant, saying he would not be deterred by threats. He emphasized his intention to petition Union home minister Amit Shah for legislation to punish “separatists”, including Suresh, and said those advocating a division of the nation should face consequences.