Senior BJP leader and leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, today tore into the Congress government following an incident of alleged physical assault at Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi, calling it “a disgraceful reflection of the total collapse of governance in Karnataka.”
Reacting sharply to the developments, Ashoka said, “AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi have completely lost control over Karnataka. The public slugfest between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar has crossed every limit — from backroom politics to open threats in the national capital.”
His remarks came after a verbal altercation between two senior Karnataka government officials stationed at Karnataka Bhavan took a serious turn, with H Anjaneya, special officer to Deputy CM Shivakumar, accusing C Mohan Kumar, assistant resident commissioner and special officer to CM Siddaramaiah, of assaulting him with a shoe.
Ashoka alleged that the Congress was presiding over “a circus of anarchy” where officers loyal to two rival political camps were now resorting to public brawls. “This is no longer just an internal feud. It has become a law-and-order issue that puts the reputation of Karnataka at risk,” he added.
The incident reportedly occurred inside the Karnataka Bhavan office premises in Delhi and came to light after Anjaneya lodged a complaint with Resident Commissioner Imkongla Jamir, seeking criminal action.
“I was beaten with a shoe, and it has hurt my honour and dignity. Conduct a criminal trial against him and give me justice,” Anjaneya stated in his complaint. He also expressed concerns over workplace safety and accused Kumar of long-standing harassment.
“We have received the complaint. Due process will be followed,” Jamir confirmed.
The complaint alleges that Kumar had previously assaulted another officer, MM Joshi, and often misused his position. “He behaves with an inflated ego as special officer to the Chief Minister and has shown disrespect to seniors,” it said.
Anjaneya also revealed that he had earlier requested a transfer from Karnataka Bhavan to avoid such confrontations. “If any accident happens, Kumar will be responsible,” he warned.
The Resident Commissioner’s office is expected to initiate a formal inquiry.
“The so-called high command in Delhi is sitting helplessly while Karnataka drifts leaderless. How can anyone trust such a divided and dysfunctional Congress to run the state?” Ashoka asked.
