BJP disowns Channabasappa's statement threatening CM Siddaramaiah

The Bharatiya Janata Party in Karnataka on Tuesday disowned its leader Channabasappa's public threat to behead Chief Minister Siddaramaiah if he consumed cow meat, and said the statement was against its political culture and ethos.

"BJP unconditionally disowns the statement of Channabasappa, party leader in Shivamoga, against Chief Minister Siddaramiah and terms it as an uncalled for speech... He has been sternly warned against using such provocative, unbecoming language despite being instigated by others," BJP state President Pralhad Joshi said in a statement.

S N Channabasappa, a former president of the erstwhile Shivamogga City Municipal Council, had threatened on Monday evening during a protest organised by the local party unit against Siddaramaiah's reported comment on eating beef made last week.

"How dare you lay your hands on the neck of Gomata? You are openly saying with a dictatorial attitude that you will eat cow meat... If you have the guts, you come here and eat at Gopi Circle (in Shivamogga), then, let there be no doubt that on that day, you will be beheaded," Channabasappa had said.

"... Are you playing with the emotions of Hindus? Don't do it...," Channabasappa had warned at the meeting held on Monday.

The remarks were described as "a provocative statement" by Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru.

The BJP had sought explanation from Channabasappa for his remarks and asked all other leaders not to cross lakshman rekha on the matter.

"Party has also asked all the other leaders to restrain from using offensive language and not to cross lakshman rekha at any point under whatever circumstance," the statement read.

"We completely disapprove Channabasappa's statement which is against our political culture and our ethos," it said.

Channabassappa was on Tuesday arrested for his "provocative" and "intimidatory" remarks.

He has been booked under IPC Sections 153 (Wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot), 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and 506 (Punishment for criminal intimidation), Shivamogga Superintendent of Police Ravi Channannavar said.