Bengaluru: Disciplinary action will be initiated against Mandya MP L.R. Shivaramegowda for his casteist remarks against Sumalatha Ambarish, said JD(S) State President A.H. Vishwanath.  Speaking at a media interaction yesterday, he said criticising Sumalatha only for political reasons was not fair and was against the interests of democracy.

“Shivaramegowda has spoilt the image of Mandya. There are members of all communities in Mandya. He is an MP and shouldn’t make such remarks. The party has taken his remarks seriously and will initiate disciplinary action against him,” he said.

Shivaramegowda had targeted Sumalatha’s caste while addressing an election rally in Mandya recently, alleging that she was out to ‘Naidu-ise’ Mandya, referring to her Balija Naidu caste. Shivaramegowda had said, “Sumalatha is not a Mandya Gowdathi, but belongs to Naidu community. Rockline Venkatesh, Darshan is also Naidu and trying to conquer Mandya.”

This statement had prompted the Karnataka Balija Sangha to file a complaint with the Election Commission.

On dynasty politics

Dynasty and family rule is non-issue in these elections, Vishwanath said. The former Minister said that family rule has become norm just not in India but across the world, including in developed countries.

“All regional parties have been controlled by the families whether it is SP in Uttar Pradesh, BJD in Odisha, TRS in Telangana, DMK in Tamil Nadu, Shiva Sena in Maharashtra to name a few,” he said and asked, “Why single out Deve Gowda and members of his family?’’

FIR against Mandya MP

Meanwhile, Nagamangala Police have registered an FIR against Shivaramegowda for his statements questioning the caste of Mandya Lok Sabha Independent candidate Sumalatha Ambarish, film producer Rockline Venkatesh and actor Darshan.

Based on the complaint lodged by Congress District Unit Secretary Kabbalaiah to the Election Commission and directed by the Returning Officer, the Police filed an FIR against Shivaramegowda.