Thu Jan 16 13:29:05 UTC 2025: **Karnataka MLCs Condemn Chief Minister’s Public Rebuke of Deputy Commissioner**
**Mysuru, January 16, 2025** – Two prominent Karnataka politicians, Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) A.H. Vishwanath and former MP Pratap Simha, strongly criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for publicly rebuking Vijayanagar Deputy Commissioner M.S. Divakar.
Mr. Vishwanath described the Chief Minister’s actions as humiliating and an affront to the entire bureaucracy. He stated that Mr. Siddaramaiah’s tendency to address individuals in a singular, disrespectful manner, often met with applause from his supporters, is unacceptable. He further condemned the silence of religious and other leaders present at the event, drawing a parallel to the Mahabharata’s Draupadi episode. Mr. Vishwanath warned that this behavior could demoralize aspiring civil servants and negatively impact the state’s administration.
Mr. Simha echoed these concerns, alleging that Mr. Siddaramaiah’s actions are rooted in caste-based targeting and recalled a similar incident during the Chief Minister’s first term. He urged the State IAS Officers’ Association to condemn the incident and support their colleague. Both MLCs emphasized the need for harmonious relations between the bureaucracy and the executive for effective governance.