Hubballi: Union Minister for Food and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi on Monday criticised Karnataka Lokayukta Additional Director General of Police M. Chandrasekhar for allegedly referring to former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy as a "pig."
The alleged remark followed accusations by Kumaraswamy that Chandrasekhar was involved in corrupt practices.
Addressing the media in Hubli, Joshi demanded an immediate apology from the senior police officer, calling the language used "disgraceful and unbecoming of his position."
"No public figure, especially one of Kumaraswamy’s stature, should be subjected to such offensive remarks. If the ADGP is aware of service conduct rules, he should apologise immediately, or face the consequences," Joshi said.
He also criticised the Congress-led state government for failure to maintain discipline among senior officers.
"This kind of disrespect towards public figures reflects poorly on the governance of the state. The Congress government must address this immediately, or it risks further erosion of public trust," Joshi warned.
The controversy erupted when Chandrasekhar allegedly responded to Kumaraswamy's accusations of corruption by saying, "If we fight with pigs, we will get dirty."
Kumaraswamy had earlier accused Chandrasekhar of amassing wealth illegally, including a residence near Manyatha Tech Park.