Bengaluru, Oct. 13 (Agencies)- A high-voltage political drama, heated exchanges, commotion and a sit-in protest marked Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s (DKS) public outreach programme — ‘Bengaluru Nadige’ (Bengaluru Walk) — at J.P. Park in Mathikere yesterday.

After completing his morning walk and interacting with residents, Shivakumar took the dais to address the crowd and hear grievances alongside officials from the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA).

Spotting Rajarajeshwari Nagar MLA Munirathna seated among the public, Shivakumar called out, “Aey Kari Topi Baa” (Hey Black Cap, come here), inviting him to the stage. As a visibly irritated Munirathna made his way forward, Shivakumar remarked, “He’s wearing a new black cap.”

Munirathna, dressed in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) uniform — black cap, white shirt and brown pants — walked up, grabbed the microphone from the anchor and voiced his protest. Addressing GBA Chief Commissioner Maheswara Rao, Munirathna complained that, despite being the local MLA, he was not invited to the event.

“I doubt if this is even a Government programme,” he said, adding that officials must learn to respect elected representatives.

As Shivakumar urged him to sit down and discuss the issue later, Munirathna accused the Dy.CM of turning the event into a “Congress propaganda programme.” When organisers turned off his microphone, chaos erupted between supporters of both parties, prompting Police to escort the MLA off the stage.

Calling for calm, Shivakumar taunted, “When I see the attitude and behaviour of the MLA, I understand you (people) are living in hell. I can see your frustration with electing an MLA like this.”

Expressing displeasure over the disruption, Shivakumar said, “The MLA has no patience. It is in his nature to obstruct others’ programmes. I know you regret choosing such a representative.”

He urged the public to “give him the right reply when the time comes.”