MLA

BJP

Karnataka

Katti

CM Siddaramaiah

Congress

Janata Dal

Video ofKatti abusing stateleaders goes viralLeaving no stone unturned to tear into their opponents’ jibes, theBJP found itself on the receiving end on Friday when their own sitting MLA caught on camera abusing top leaders for their attempts to suppress leaders from openly venting their feelings.Leaving the saffron party in an embarrassing situation, MLA from Hukkeri in Belagavi Umesh Vnot only used the term haramkhor while describing BJP leaders, but also alleged that he has been directed not to take part in the movement demanding a separate religion tag for the Lingayat community.A video clip of Katti abusing the top leadership of Karnataka BJP has gone viral in which Katti has openly confessed that BJP leaders prevented him from taking part in Lingayat rallies even though he supported the movement for a separate religion status for Lingayats.The video reportedly recorded in his hometown Bellada Bagewadi by a section of the local media revealed that Katti was not happy with the BJP leadership. Adding to the controversy,had also recently met Katti at his home and exchanged pleasantries with him. Political circles were abuzz with the talk that Katti is likely to joinled by Siddaramaiah---his one-time companion in“These ‘haramkhor’ BJP leaders are not letting me taking part in lingayat rallies. I am proud that I have born as lingayat and die as lingayat. I will not say I am a Hindu. As they instructed me not to attend the rallies, I did not take part in them,” Katti reportedly said in the video clip.Barely a few hours after the video went viral on social media circles, Katti resorted to a damage control exercise and clarified that he did not mean to hurt anybody’s sentiments. “It is a commonly used expletive in our villages and often considered an adjective. Hence neither the people, nor any of my party leaders should attach any meaning to it.”On rumours about his plans to defect to Congress, Katti said, “How many times should I testify on this matter? I have been made victim for the TRP game of the media. If I were to quit BJP, why should I actively involve myself in organising the recent Parivarthan Rally? I know Siddaramaiah personally and we have met casually. But that does not mean I am joining the Congress.”Though Katti has clarified on the issue, the rumours gained momentum when Siddaramaiah said last week that several BJP MLAs are in touch with him to join Congress.