Tension prevailed for some time at the Nada Brahma Sangeetha Sabha here on Sunday after supporters of Congress MLA M K Somashekar barged into the hall, damaged chairs and disrupted a felicitation function. They were protesting against alleged defamatory remarks made by noted theatre personality Master Hirannaiah against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Naganava Kala Sahithya Vedike had organised a felicitation in honour of Master Hirannaiah of Lanchavatara fame, Dr Ashok Pai, social worker Kethamma and teacher Jyothi.
Speaking on the occasion, Hiranniah, known for his political satire, allegedly used derogatory language against both Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Siddaramaiah. “Siddaramaiah, who was good in the past, and took every one into confidence, has become a pimp (tale hiduka) after he assumed power,” Hirannaiah reportedly said at the event.
This spread like wild fire among Congressmen who stormed the venue. They also staged a protest in the city, burnt a portrait of Hiranniah and raised slogans against him. Some even demanded that Hirannaiah publicly apologise for making such remarks.
Sensing trouble, Hirannaiah apologised for his remarks and clarified that they were not intentional. “Siddaramaiah and I have been friends for many years,” he said. He claimed the utterances could have been due to age catching up with him and apologised to the CM and the Congress workers. Later, he called on Siddaramaiah at the latter’s house in Sharada Devi Nagar and personally apologised to him.
On his part, Siddaramaiah said Hirannaiah is a tall theatre personality and had clarified that the remarks were accidental and had regretted his mistake.
He said the issue should be put to an end and pacified the angry Congress workers. The CM even directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police on duty to provide police protection to Hirannaiah.