Arguments over CM's knowledge of Kannada

In the midst of arguments over pros and cons of dividing the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike BBMP), question marks were raised over understanding of Kannada language by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and BJP MLCs.

In a heated and sarcastic exchange of words between Opposition leader K S Eshwarappa and Siddaramaiah, a debate arose over the Kannada word for “restructuring” (Punar Rachane) of BBMP which was used by the BJP in their 2013 election manifesto.

While Siddaramaiah claimed that the word restructuring was nothing more than dividing BBMP, the BJP said it was streamlining of administration.

“Go back to school and learn Kannada. Restructuring is nothing more than dividing. None of you know Kannada,” said a sarcastic Siddaramaiah. The chief minister went to such an extent to rub-in the word, that he reiterated the word not less than 10 to 12 times in a sarcastic manner.

Hitting back at the chief minister, a sarcastic BJP MLC Ashwathnarayan, later said: “We used the word restructuring and not redividing (Punar Vingadane). For a leader from Mysuru, confusion in Kannada words and its meanings was not expected.”