PM Narendra Modi criticised Kumaraswamy for his statement even as Kumaraswamy clarified the context in which he had made the statement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy engaged in a war of words after PM Modi criticised Kumaraswamy for his remark about Indian Army personnel where he had said that those who don’t get a square meal join the army and become jawans.
A 15-second video clip of Kumaraswamy’s statement was shared by BJP’s state unit and the same statement was referenced by PM Modi in his speech during a rally in Koppal on Friday.
“It is shocking to know a Chief Minister’s thinking is so low to say those who don’t get a square meal a day join the Army and not the rich. What else can people expect from such a leader? By using such words, Kumaraswamy has insulted our patriotic soldiers who sacrifice their life to protect the country,” PM Narendra Modi said, addressing a rally in Koppal on Friday.
After the comment sparked a controversy, Kumaraswamy had clarified that the video had been cut short to create a false implication and shared the full video clip of his speech.
In response, Kumaraswamy had shared a longer 1:08 clip describing the context in which he made the statement. He said, ” A youth like Guru has lost his life in a bomb blast under the rule of Narendra Modi and his family is suffering and we are hurt by this and not due to the Pakistan air strike. As a nation-lover, have you given emphasis to the nation? What about the poor families who are crying today? People who guard our borders are not children of rich. Because they don’t have food to eat, ultimately some youth join armed forces and the PM is playing with their lives,” he had said.
In his previous election rally in Karnataka, PM Modi had asked if the Chief Minister has his vote bank in India or Pakistan.
Agencies
