Former MP DK Suresh Slams HD Kumaraswamy for Backing BJP MLA Amid Casteist Slur Allegations

Congress leader DK Suresh criticized Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy for supporting BJP MLA Munirathna, accused of making casteist remarks against the Vokkaliga community and its women. Suresh questioned the political motivations and stressed the need for a thorough investigation into the allegations against Munirathna.

Congress leader and former MP DK Suresh on Sunday criticized Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy for supporting BJP MLA Munirathna, who allegedly made casteist remarks against the Vokkaliga community and its women. Speaking at his Sadashivanagar residence, Suresh urged not to politicize the issue and questioned if Kumaraswamy's stance reflected his party's official position. 'How would you have reacted if a Congress leader had spoken like this?' he asked.

'Some leaders and the Leader of the Opposition are trying to politicize the matter. Is it right to do so when the evidence is so clear?' Suresh questioned. 'His slurs against women and the Vokkaliga community are unacceptable.' Commenting on R Ashoka's statement alleging political motivation behind Munirathna's arrest, Suresh added, 'No one asked him to make such offensive remarks. The police will investigate and the truth will emerge.'

Considering Munirathna's reference to his name in a video before his arrest, Suresh clarified, 'I do not get involved in such matters. I have stayed away from politics after the people's verdict.' He also mentioned, 'We have left cinema production to BJP and JDS. They know they can't succeed in politics without thinking of DK brothers.'

Munirathna was taken into custody on Saturday night by Bengaluru police for allegedly threatening a Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike contractor. He was produced before Judge Santhosh Gajanan Bhat in Yelahanka and remanded to two days of police custody. According to Kolar Superintendent of Police B Nikhil, Munirathna was apprehended with aid from Kolar Police while traveling to Andhra Pradesh. Police filed two FIRs against him at Vyalikaval police station, stemming from contractor Chaluvaraju's complaints of harassment and threats. Charges include issuing death threats, extortion, and more.

Chaluvaraju claimed Munirathna threatened him saying, 'What happened to Renukaswamy will happen to you,' while demanding a commission related to a contract. The contractor alleged Munirathna insisted on Rs 20 lakhs and involved his relative in threats. An audio clip allegedly features Munirathna hurling abusive language and threats at Dalit individuals, the contractor, and his wife. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)