**Karnataka Congress Leader Faces Backlash Over Alleged Threats to Municipal Commissioner**
Audio recordings of Rajeev Gowda, the state convener of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, reportedly threatening Sidlaghatta City Municipal Commissioner Amrutha Gowda have gone viral, sparking protests among municipal employees and intense political reactions.
On Wednesday, employees of the Sidlaghatta City Municipal Council demonstrated outside their office, demanding action against Gowda for allegedly threatening and verbally abusing the commissioner over the phone regarding the removal of movie banners in the town. These banners were associated with the film “Cult,” featuring Zameer Ahmed Khan’s son, Zaid, and were displayed prominently at Kote Circle.
Municipal officials stated that the banners were taken down following public complaints about them obstructing traffic and posing safety risks to pedestrians. The removed banners were subsequently brought to the CMC office.
In the viral audio clip, Rajeev Gowda is heard threatening Amrutha Gowda, stating, “If my banner is removed, then I would come and set things on fire. You have seen my gentleness, not my evil side.” He also allegedly mentioned that he would ensure her transfer from Sidlaghatta and refused to wait for a response, asserting, “I will not wait for a minute or two. Don’t treat me like any ordinary man.”
In response, the municipal commissioner explained that the banner was removed because it was positioned in the middle of the road, leading to accidents. “Since we had received a complaint, it was removed. We will be held accountable if accidents happen. No permission was taken to erect the banner,” she stated. Despite this, Rajeev Gowda allegedly insisted on the immediate reinstatement of the banner.
As the conversation escalated, the commissioner reportedly became distressed due to the treatment she received, prompting municipal employees to go on strike, chant slogans outside their office, and march through the town to condemn Gowda’s behavior.
In light of the controversy, Rajeev Gowda claimed he had permission to display the banner and denied using any offensive language. He suggested that the audio clip had been edited and expressed regret if his words had caused any offense.
Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, criticized Gowda for his alleged abusive language towards the female officer and called for his arrest, referencing a past incident where a similar banner led to the death of Congress leader Rajashekhar Reddy in Ballari. “Rajeev Gowda, who threatened to riot and insulted a woman, should be arrested under the Goonda Act. If this does not happen, we will stage demonstrations across the state,” he stated.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar commented on the incident, asserting that appropriate legal action would be taken against Gowda. Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy also condemned the incident, questioning how such behavior could be tolerated.
**FAQ**
**What actions are being taken against Rajeev Gowda following the incident?**
Authorities are considering legal action against Rajeev Gowda in response to the allegations of threats and abusive language directed at the municipal commissioner.
